Mogadishu – To boost the participation of women-owned businesses in UN procurement processes, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) recently conducted a one-day seminar for Somali women entrepreneurs.

The seminar co-hosted by the UNSOS Procurement Unit and Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, attracted 41 women entrepreneurs, empowering them with knowledge and opportunities. 

Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mohamud Abdullahi Ahmed, pledged the government’s commitment to collaborating with the UNSOS to boost the competitiveness of Somali women businesses. 

“The Ministry of Commerce and Industry fully supports business development initiatives for women. We are ready to provide you with free legal aid and help in strengthening your relations with international organisations to enable you to access opportunities,” said Minister Mohamud at the opening of the seminar. 

During the seminar, UNSOS Chief Procurement Officer, Bruno Hussein Maboja, shared tips on the UN procurement process, and how to register on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) - the UN online procurement portal.

This seminar is part of ongoing efforts by the UNSOS to boost the participation of women entrepreneurs in UN tenders, with the inaugural event held in November 2023.

Manal Kamel, UNSOS Procurement Officer said, “Today, we have acquainted Somali businesswomen on the UN procurement process, and on how to register on the UNGM as well as gave them tips on how to win an award with UNSOS.”

“One of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is to empower all girls and women; our new management and leadership are putting emphasis on this as part of the ongoing Mission’s national capacity building, hence UNSOS regularly holds such seminars.” 

UNSOS has also conducted targeted seminars for dry food and fuel suppliers in Somalia to enhance and boosting their access to UN procurement opportunities.

Women entrepreneurs welcome the training 

Participants urged UNSOS to provide more training and information sessions. Other women shared their experiences of doing business with the UN to encourage their counterparts. 

Attending the business seminar for the first time was eye-opening for Sagal Ali Ibrahim, who runs an online bookstore in Mogadishu.

“I have learnt that there are numerous opportunities that women entrepreneurs can take advantage of. I have also learnt how my business can benefit from the business opportunities presented here,” said Sagal. 

Sahra Jama Ali, sub-contracted to provide logistics, clearing and forwarding services to the UN, advised women entrepreneurs to register with the UN Global Marketplace. 

“We also often apply for UNSOS tenders because we are registered with the UNGM. It is imperative to register to maximise opportunities,” advised Sahra. 

Mariam Nur Mohamed, a travel agent, said the business seminars equipped her with valuable knowledge to compete for UN tenders.

“I learned how to apply for small, medium, and big tenders. I learnt the various steps in tendering and how to submit bids,” said Mariam. 

According to Idil Elmi Dahir, a business trainer with the Somali Women in Business Association, women entrepreneurs must formalise their businesses to benefit from available opportunities. 

“I will go back and share the knowledge and experiences gained here and inform other women entrepreneurs about the opportunities available for them,” said Idil. 

During the seminar, Ibrahim Isse Abdulle, Business Development Expert from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Abdihakim Osman, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), shared tips on business registration and development.