Mogadishu - In late April, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) held a three-day capacity-building training program for Somali security forces on how to use Power BI to perform data analytics.

The training, which took place on April 26th, 27th, and 29th, was attended by a total of 16 students, including 7 from the Somali National Army (SNA), 4 from the Somali Police Force (SPF), and 5 from the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The training program was part of UNSOS's commitment to contributing towards the skill development and capacity building of Somali security forces, as part of transition process.

UNSOS is managing the capacity-building efforts in a decentralized manner, with different sections contributing to the effort based on their areas of expertise. There is also a BI dashboard on inventory stocks allowing Sectors to have an overview of the sector level stocks to support decentralization efforts.

One of the priority areas for UNSOS is information management and establishment of dashboards through BI.

The aim of the Power BI training program was to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to analyze data effectively and make informed decisions based on the insights gained. During the training, participants learned how to use Power BI to import, transform, and analyze data from various sources, including spreadsheets, online sites, and other data formats. They were also taught how to create customized dashboards and reports that provide real-time insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) and other important metrics.

The use of data analytics in the security sector has become increasingly important in recent years, as it allows security forces to gain a better understanding of the patterns and trends in criminal activity, identify potential threats, and respond to incidents in a more timely and effective manner. Despite the short duration of the training, the benefits were significant. Participants were able to use the skills and knowledge they gained to analyze data related to crime rates, incidents, and other security-related matters in their respective regions.

Collaborative Environment

The training program was conducted in a collaborative environment that fostered teamwork and communication between the participants.

By working together and sharing their experiences and knowledge, the participants were able to learn from each other and develop a deeper understanding of how to use Power BI effectively in their respective roles.

Team Work

Due to the high level of interest shown by the participants, UNSOS has scheduled a new training batch for the end of May 2023. This is a clear indication of the success of the training program and the value that the participants placed on the skills and knowledge they gained. The new batch is expected to attract even more participants, which will further contribute to the development of Somalia's security sector.

Overall, the Power BI training program for Somali security forces is a clear example of how the UN is working to support the development of Somalia's security sector. By equipping Somali security forces with the necessary skills and knowledge, UNSOS is helping to create a safer and more secure environment for the people of Somalia.