Training of Trainers (TOT) program on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) in the IGAD region, held from
October 7th to 12th, 2024, in Nairobi. The program aimed to equip a pool of trainers with the skills and knowledge to transfer CBM practices effectively to border agencies’ staff across the member states, ensuring the sustainability of training actions.
The TOT program was designed to:
1. Develop a manual on CBM, including TOT modules for cascading training activities at the state level.
2. Equip trainers with skills on best practices for CBM, covering legal foundations, operational practices, and the use of technology for effective border management.
3. Facilitate capacity building for customs and other border officers to enhance border security and efficiency in trade facilitation.
Structure of the Training Program
The training covered six main modules:
1. Introduction to CBM: Overview of CBM measures, including gender considerations.
2. Legal Foundations and Soft Tools: Exploration of legal frameworks and international agreements guiding CBM practices.
3. Joint Management Practices: Effective implementation of CBM at border posts, including the use of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).
4. CBM under the AfCFTA: Integration of CBM within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
5. Border Agency Cooperation: Mechanisms for inter-agency collaboration at national and international levels.
6. IGAD-Specific Tools and Initiatives: Review of policies, frameworks, and initiatives supporting CBM within the IGAD region.
Training Delivery and Methodology
Training activities were conducted with interactive methods, including group discussions, case studies, and practical sessions. A special
emphasis was placed on gender-sensitive approaches, recognizing the diverse needs at borders.
Achievements
• Development of Training Manual: A comprehensive CBM training manual was developed to guide future training activities.
• Knowledge Dissemination Roadmap: A roadmap was created to adapt and implement training across IGAD member states.
• Enhanced Trainer Capacity: Participants gained a deeper understanding of CBM and were equipped to train others effectively.
Challenges Faced
• Limited staff availability for widespread training.
• Variability in existing infrastructure and resources across border points.
• Language barriers affecting communication among officers from different countries.
Recommendations
• Expand Training Programs: Scale up TOT programs to reach more border oLicers.
• Improve Infrastructure: Invest in facilities and technology to support training and
border management.
• Strengthen Cooperation Frameworks: Develop more formal agreements for
inter-agency cooperation
Food & Livestock Technical Committee meeting
SoBS held Food & Livestock Technical Committee meeting!
The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Deputy Director, setting the tone for a productive session.
The Secretary General of SOBS efficiently coordinated the discussions, ensuring a smooth and organized meeting.
Director of Standards of SoBS shed light on the vital procedures and the importance of developing and implementing standards for the food and livestock sector. These standards shape the future of Somali industry, ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability.
In an exciting development, chairpersons were elected for both the Livestock and Food & Agriculture sub-committees, bringing together expertise and leadership to drive Somali standards forward.
#Standards #SomaliAgriculture #LivestockStandards
Grand opening of new laboratory to inspect the products imported to Somalia
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening ceremony of its new laboratory at Mogadishu Port. The facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will play a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of products imported into Somalia.
The opening ceremony was attended by esteemed government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from international organizations. The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening Somalia’s regulatory infrastructure and fostering trade and consumer protection.
The new laboratory is specifically designed to conduct comprehensive testing and analysis on a wide range of imported products, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electrical appliances, and more. By implementing rigorous quality control measures, the SoBS aims to safeguard public health, promote fair trade practices, and enhance consumer confidence in the marketplace.
This milestone event signifies the SoBS’s unwavering commitment to its mission of establishing laboratories at all ports across Somalia, enhancing quality assurance measures for imported goods.
the 29th ARSO General Assembly
Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) delegation led by DDG Suban Abdi Nor participated the 29th ARSO General Assembly Themed “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation-One Standard-One Test-One Certificate Accepted Everywhere”
On the sidelines of the 29th Arso GA the Deputy Director General of SoBS held meetings with representatives of Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and SMIC Discussions were centered on future cooperation with Somali Bureau of Standards and improving the uniformity of #Standads & trade facilitation in Africa.
Puntland State Visit
SoBS Director General, Aden Hassan Barre, paid an official visit to Somalia’s Puntland state as part of member state quality infrastructure development.
A Delegation Led By The Director Of The Somali Bureau Of Standards, Mr. Aden Hassan Barre, Paid A Visit To The Puntland State Of Somalia.
The Delegation Met With The Puntland Ministry Of Trade, Industry And Investment Senior Officials, Led By The Minister, H.E. Abdullahi Abdi Hersi And Deputy Director, Quality Assurance Department Of The Ministry, And Discussed On The Somali Bureau Of Standards Operational Strategy In The Puntland State Of Somalia.
During The Meeting, It Was Unanimously Agreed That It Is Paramount For The Somali Bureau Of Standards To Work Across The Country In Order To Implement The Country’s Standards Act And Obtain A Single Internationally Recognized Certificate.
During Their Stay In Puntland, The Director And His Delegation Will Hold Meetings With Various Sections Of The Community Enhancing The Bureau’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
16th SMIIC General Assembly
Director General of Somali Bureau of Standards, Aden H. Barre and his delegation had a side meeting with his counterpart from the Turkish Standards Institution President Dr. Adem Şahin, during the 16th SMIIC General Assembly meeting in Madinah Al Munawarrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SoBS held the first board meeting in Mogadishu and elected Board Chairman.
Basics of sampling techniques for laboratories
One day of comprehensive training on the basics of sampling techniques for laboratories was carried out at SoBS Headquarters in Mogadishu.
This was part of the SoBS capacity-building Programme.
Thank you Dr. Abdiwahab Ahmed Nur.
SoBS Board of Directors adopted ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/ IEC 17025 & ISO 17065
SoBS is full membership of the African Organization for standardization (ARSO).
Somalia on the map! Now we are among 40 African countries that have full membership of the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) is committed to secure Somali’s position at the international bodies.