Mogadishu — Sixty-five Somali entrepreneurs took part in the first UN Business Seminar of 2026, a high-impact initiative aimed at opening United Nations procurement opportunities to local businesses. Organised by the Somali Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with UNSOS, the seminar offered practical guidance on UN procurement rules, brief tender process workflow, real-life vendor case studies, and registration on the UN Global Marketplace, giving participants first-hand insight into how to compete for UN contracts.

Hosted by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) in Mogadishu, the one-day seminar focused on sensitizing Somali businesses to UNSOS procurement procedures, while strenghening their capacity to compete for international contracts across the UN system. The initiative reflects UNSOS’ continued engagement with the local private sector to increase vendor participation and support inclusive economic growth in Somalia.

UNSOS Chief of Supply Chain, Mr. Fabio Mevoli, speaking on behalf of the Acting Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, said the seminar aimed to encourage Somali vendors to participate in the UNSOS tendering process. 

“Data shows an increase in the participation of Somali vendors in UNSOS tenders, and as a result, we have seen an increase in contracts awarded to Somali vendors. This is positive news,” Mr. Mevoli said. 

Throughout the seminar, UNSOS Procurement Section officials walked the 65 Somali business participants through the UN bidding process, compliance requirements, and the critical importance of registering on the UN Global Marketplace, the UN’s official procurement portal. An interactive question-and-answer session allowed entrepreneurs to understand the UN procurement processes and seek information on available business opportunities with the UN as well as common challenges faced by first-time bidders.

Chief Procurement Officer, Mr. Bruno Hussein Maboja, underscored UNSOS’ commitment to build capacity and help local vendors meet the required standards to do business with the UN. 

“Our aim as UNSOS is always to increase the number of Somali registered companies participating in UN tenders. First step, if they don’t participate they don’t get a chance to win; hence by having more of them participating, we are hoping that we increase their chances,” said Mr. Maboja. 

A key highlight of the seminar was the sharing of real-world experiences from two UNSOS vendors who have ongoing high value contracts. Representatives from Dayah Energy, a Somali business currently working as a UNSOS vendor, and RA International shared their experiences working with the UN, explaining the vendor registration process, contract execution, and how their companies are contributing to the local economy. 

Dayah Energy Project Manager, Mr. Reuben Githui, explained how working with the UN has strengthened the company’s footprint in Somalia.

“We have employed approximately 200 Somalis across Somalia - drivers, warehouse managers, all the way down. We have also been able to engage on the ground, understand the ground, and be able to improve our capacities,” Mr. Githui said.

RA International General Manager, Mr. Colin Bell, said the seminar provided Somali vendors with critical information on the UN bidding process.  

“It’s an excellent forum for people to learn how to be prime contractors for the UN, and push the business forward, have the financial resilience that you need, understand the ethical side, the compliance standards, health and safety. It’s a big learning curve,” said Mr. Bell. 

Participants welcomed the opportunity to gain practical skills and insider knowledge. Mr. Isak Nor Aden, a construction sector professional, said the seminar was critical preparation for future UN procurement opportunities. “I appeal to Somali local companies to take advantage of such valuable training if they get access to it. Also, they should request to participate or to get access to such training,” said Mr. Aden. 

Ms. Fadumoladan Suleiman, an entrepreneur starting her own business, said the seminar provided valuable technical guidance. “It’s a good thing to get to this seminar and to take part because it will make it better with my business and that will help me and my colleagues,” she said.

Mogadishu-based nutritionist Dr. Faiza Isack Ali also encouraged other entrepreneurs to engage with UNSOS outreach initiatives. “Working with the UN and attending seminars like this strengthens our businesses and clinics, while creating new opportunities for our staff,” Dr. Ali said.

The business seminar forms part of UNSOS’ broader outreach to the Somali private sector, which in recent years has engaged vendors in sectors including food supply, fuel services, and women-owned businesses — reinforcing UNSOS’ commitment to local partnership and sustainable economic development.