Somalia has a very youthful population. Fragile and weak public institutions, insecurity, poor infrastructure and lack of decent employment opportunities has left many youths unemployed, underemployed or working in vulnerable conditions. Employment opportunities are limited, and selection is often not competitive. This governance brief is based on discussions with youth in Mogadishu. It examines the causes of and consequences of the youth employment crisis. It concludes with a number of policy options and recommendations.