Back then, Israel was more developed than Somalia is today, and they had more money. Plus, Jews weren’t really welcomed anywhere, so Israel took advantage of that to get them to move there.
Are Somalis in any real danger that would make them want to return? And does Somalia even have financial aid to support returning diaspora? If a million Somalis came back, I don’t think the country could handle it. There aren’t enough skilled jobs, so a lot of them would end up unemployed. On top of that, remittances—which make up like 15-20% of Somalia’s economy—would take a huge hit and fucked up since diaspora in the West wouldn't be sending money back anymore.
Somalia doesn’t have a large affluent or middle class, so the priority should be strengthening its blue-collar economy and exports first. That means focusing on farming, fishing, manufacturing, mining, factories, transport, and construction. Some diaspora can return if their skills are needed in these areas. The key is exporting more than they import, which would bring in more money for Somalis to reinvest and grow the economy.
In 15-30 years, with better education producing more skilled workers, Somalia will look very different. By then, there will be a larger middle class and more affluent people, making it more appealing for the diaspora to return and settle permanently—without needing financial aid from the government
I have to disagree with the notion that Israel in the 1930s was more developed than Somalia’s large cities today. Somalia’s major cities now have colleges and trade schools that are gradually improving, providing education and technical skills to the population. In contrast, during the 1930s, what is now Israel was primarily focused on relocating Jewish communities from Europe to the Middle East. Infrastructure in Palestine at the time was underdeveloped—paved roads were scarce, whereas Somalia’s major cities today have established road networks, telecommunications, and access to modern technology like cell phones and computers.
That being said, Somalia’s infrastructure still needs significant advancement, especially in areas like transportation, energy, and public services. However, the presence of educational institutions and technology in major cities provides a strong foundation for growth. With strategic investment in infrastructure and governance, Somalia could accelerate its development and create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
In my view, Somalia would not necessarily need to provide financial aid to returning diaspora. Instead, these individuals could establish their own businesses, producing goods that the local population currently cannot manufacture. For example, by investing in small factories, they could create jobs and introduce industries that add value to the economy.
Beyond serving local demand, these factories could also produce goods for export to neighboring countries, diversifying Somalia’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on livestock. This shift would strengthen Somalia’s position in regional trade, reduce import dependence, and create sustainable economic growth. Rather than relying on government support, returning diaspora could play a crucial role in revitalizing industries, fostering innovation, and boosting employment—directly contributing to the country's long-term development.
There aren’t enough skilled jobs, which leaves many people unemployed. If I were to return home without prior experience in factories or B2B businesses, I would have to rely on my current skill set. Having studied computer science with a focus on data and programming, I understand how data is collected, analyzed, and used to drive decision-making. One major challenge in Somalia is immigration management. I could build a business that collaborates with the Somali regional government to collect and analyze immigration data, identifying key entry points and determining where to establish checkpoints. Instead of working with just one city, I could expand my services to multiple regions, creating a nationwide system.
Beyond basic immigration tracking, this system could integrate biometric identification, smart ID cards, and a digital registry to help monitor movements and ensure security while respecting personal freedoms. Additionally, predictive analytics could be used to anticipate migration patterns, allowing for proactive policy-making. By leveraging data-driven solutions, we could improve border security, streamline legal immigration processes, and even support economic planning by understanding population movement trends. These are the kinds of skilled, innovative solutions that regions like Somalia need to address complex challenges effectively.
I believe we need to phase out remittances altogether. While they currently make up around 15-20% of Somalia’s economy, they create a dependency that discourages productivity and economic self-sufficiency. I've heard from many Somalis who have returned home that a significant portion of the population doesn’t actively work, relying instead on house workers—many of whom are Oromo—to handle daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, and childcare. This lifestyle resembles that of the wealthy elite in the West, even though Somalia as a whole is still developing.
The problem is that remittances provide a steady income, reducing the urgency to build roads, improve infrastructure, or engage in meaningful economic activity. If Somalia is to truly develop, people need to move away from reliance on outside financial support and take responsibility for their own progress. Encouraging entrepreneurship, industry, and a strong work ethic is key to breaking this cycle. Instead of waiting for monthly remittances, people should be focusing on creating businesses, building industries, and developing the country’s infrastructure with their own hands.
