The inclusive Local Economic Development program contributes to three results, stabilization and local Governance, inclusive and sustainable growth, and protection and graduation of the most vulnerable. It has six components and 12 projects. It is to contribute to stability in Somalia by extending state authority and services, promoting local reconciliation and peacebuilding, creating inclusive economic opportunities, and protecting the most vulnerable.

The priority target groups of this project are young people aged 15-25 years, as well as women. This action contributes to objective two of ILED, namely “revitalize and expand the local economy with a focus on livelihood enhancement, job creation, and broad-based inclusive growth, with a particular focus on opportunities for women and youth.” The program further states that “in order to foster stability and sustainable development, it is critical to promote social and economic inclusion and allow for greater participation in democratic governance of women and youth, as well as other excluded and less powerful groups.” The ILED program thus calls for a holistic approach to youth empowerment that focuses on employment and job creation but goes beyond narrow skills and entrepreneurship training by fostering an enabling environment for positive youth development that improves youth lives.