Mogadishu – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on Thursday hosted a seminar to prepare Somali-owned businesses to bid for UN contracts to supply food rations.

The seminar, which attracted at least 50 local companies, was facilitated by UNSOS and UN Department of Operational Support. It aimed at informing the vendors of the requirements of the UN contracts to enhance their capacity to bid. It was the first ever thematic seminar for rations jointly organized by the UN Mission in Somalia and UNHQ.

The seminar was aimed at raising awareness among the local vendors while seeking their views on the UN processes to build stronger partnerships.

Fabio Mevoli, the Officer in Charge (OiC) UNSOS Supply Chain Management, said the seminar also addressed the concerns of some vendors on to how to obtain quality certification for food rations.

“We have the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) where they can get laboratory certification. There are also other offices endorsed by SOBS where vendors can do laboratory testing," said Mevoli.

The UNSOS Chief Procurement Officer, Bruno Hussein Maboja, said the seminar was part of ongoing engagements with local vendors to share knowledge about UN procurement procedures.  

He added that the seminar would boost the competitiveness of Somali businesses while bidding for UN contracts.

The Department of Support (DOS) officials from the UN headquarters said business seminar was aimed at building the capacity of local suppliers, informing them of minimum internationally recognized food safety principles and enhancing their understanding of the UN procurement processes for possible participation in future bids.  

During the seminar, the participating Somali companies were briefed on UN procurement procedures and processes, including compliance with quality and standards and registering on the procurement portal - the UN Global Marketplace.  

A participant, Abdirahman Abdi Adan, who manages a construction firm in Mogadishu, said Somali companies were now ready to bid for UN contracts.  

“The facilitators shared with us how the UNSOS procurement process works, quality management and how they would like to see contractors handle supply and quality issues. We have also benefited from knowledge on warehousing, transportation and so on,” said Abdirahman.  

Ms. Nura Abdalla Mohamed, who works for a logistics firm, expressed her company’s readiness to bid for the UN contract to supply food rations.  

“The key takeaway from this seminar is that we learn and grow by creating connections and brainstorming. We met with other vendors, suppliers and the UNSOS team. It’s not about winning the bid or getting the tender. But growing with people itself is an opportunity,” said Ms Nura.  

Sebi Jose, the UNSOS Chief of the Rations Unit, disclosed that UN body is seeking to contract local suppliers of a range of items including biscuits, spaghetti, wheat flour, rice, vegetable oil, sugar, and fruit dates. The food items will be delivered to Somali Security Forces (SSF) personnel deployed in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Beletweyne, Dhobley and Kismayo. 

“We expect the vendors to source the items, procure them here, bring them in and distribute them to the contingent locations. That way, it will support the local economy through buying, logistical support, transportation,” said Sebi.  

The UNSOS Director, Ms. Qurat Ul-Ain Sadozai, assured the Somali business community of UNSOS’ commitment to foster partnerships with local companies and increase their participation in UN procurement processes.  

“UNSOS is committed to supporting local procurement and providing information to strengthen local vendor participation. Together, we are not just procuring goods and services, we are building a foundation for a more prosperous and secure Somalia,” said Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain.