All news.
Press releases, events, technical committee notes and field reports from SOBS.
From Paper to Digital: Somalia’s Standards Services Move Online
The Somali Bureau of Standards is advancing the digital transformation of its services through a unified Integrated Management Information System, enabling businesses to access standards, apply for certification, track applications and verify certificates online.
SOBS Strengthens Quality and Product Safety Through Official Visit to Coca-Cola UBC
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), together with senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, conducted an official working visit to Coca-Cola UBC to review its production processes, quality assurance systems, and compliance with applicable quality standards.
SoBS Participates in Technical Committee Meeting on Laboratory Design and Development in the Netherlands
A delegation from the Somali Bureau of Standards participated in a three-day technical committee meeting in Delft, the Netherlands, focused on laboratory design and development and strengthening national laboratory infrastructure.
SoBS Launches First Phase of Quality Mark Licensing
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) has launched the first phase of its Quality Mark Licensing Programme, awarding certificates and Quality Mark licences to local manufacturers whose products successfully met the required quality assessment and inspection standards.
SOBS Secretary General Participates in Leadership and Public Sector Management Training in Tanzania
The Secretary General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Eng. Guled Mohamed Rashid, participated in a seven-day leadership and public sector management training programme held in Arusha, Tanzania, organised through collaboration between the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
SOBS Director General Holds Bilateral Meeting with KEBS to Strengthen Quality Infrastructure Cooperation and Trade Facilitation
The Director General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan, held a bilateral meeting with the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Madam Esther Ngari, in Mombasa, Kenya, on 28 August 2026, focusing on strengthening institutional cooperation, border quality control, and facilitating trade between Somalia and Kenya.
SOBS Director General Holds Bilateral Meeting with Enterprise Singapore to Strengthen Standards Cooperation and Trade Facilitation
The Director General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan, held a bilateral meeting with representatives of Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council in Mombasa, Kenya, on 28 August 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in standards alignment, quality infrastructure development, and facilitating trade between Somalia and Singapore.
Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) Director General Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan Leads Somalia’s Delegation at the 32nd ARSO General Assembly in Mombasa, Kenya
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) participated in the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 24–28 August 2026, focusing on strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure and facilitating trade through the “One Certificate Working for You” initiative.
SOBS Certification Review Committee Conducts Key Evaluation Review Meeting
The Certification Review Committee of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) held an important meeting in Mogadishu on 26 August 2026 to review certification assessment processes, focusing on quality, efficiency, and accuracy in certification decisions.
SOBS Director General Holds High-Level Meeting with ISO Secretary-General to Strengthen International Standards Cooperation
The Director General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan, led a high-level delegation in a bilateral meeting with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Mujica, in Mombasa, Kenya, on 26 August 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in standards development and Somalia’s integration into the international standards system.
SOBS Director General Participates in Somalia–China Trade Cooperation Conference to Promote Quality and Investment Opportunities
The Director General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan, participated in the Somalia–China Trade Cooperation Conference held in Mogadishu on 25 August 2026, focusing on strengthening economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and sustainable business partnerships between Somalia and China.
Announcement of the National Quality Awards 2026
The National Quality Institute of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) proudly announces the National Quality Awards 2026, an initiative designed to recognise and celebrate organisations, businesses, and companies in Somalia that demonstrate excellence in quality, innovation, efficiency, and outstanding performance.
SOBS Certification Review Committee Conducts First Technical Review Meeting
The Certification Review Committee of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) conducted its First Technical Review Meeting to examine technical reports, verify compliance with quality standards, and ensure that certification assessment procedures are implemented effectively, fairly, and in accordance with quality assurance requirements.
SOBS Holds Engagement Meeting with Microfinance Institutions to Strengthen Quality Standards and Financial Sector Cooperation
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) hosted a meeting with representatives of microfinance companies and the leadership of the Somali Microfinance Association to strengthen cooperation, promote quality standards, and explore opportunities for certification and capacity-building within the financial services sector.
SOBS Advances Product Certification Process to Strengthen Quality Assurance for Locally Manufactured Goods
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) is advancing the assessment and evaluation of local manufacturing facilities as part of the final stage of the Product Certification Programme and the awarding of the National Quality Mark, aimed at ensuring product safety, enhancing consumer confidence, and supporting access to local and international markets.
SOBS Certification Department Begins Final Assessment Stage for Locally Manufactured Products Under Product Certification Programme
The Certification Department of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) has officially commenced the final stage of the assessment and quality evaluation process for locally manufactured products, implemented in partnership with HopeLabs Group, to ensure compliance with national and international quality standards.
SOBS Participates in EAC Technical Committee Meeting on Quality Assurance and Harmonised Border Sampling Procedures
Officials from the Certification Department of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) participated in the meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Technical Sub-Committee on Quality Assurance, held in Kampala, Uganda, from 16–19 June 2026, focusing on the development of harmonised procedures for product sampling and monitoring at borders.
29th ARSO General Assembly
SoBS delegation led by DDG Suban Abdi Nor participated the 29th ARSO General Assembly themed 'Accelerating Africa's Trade'.
Food & Livestock Technical Committee meeting
SoBS held Food & Livestock Technical Committee meeting with industry stakeholders.
Grand opening of new laboratory in Mogadishu
SoBS celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of its new laboratory to inspect goods imported into Somalia.
SoBS held the first board meeting in Mogadishu
SoBS establishing national quality infrastructure, national quality policy and national governance framework.
16th SMIIC General Assembly
The two leaders discussed ways to promote credible trade, stimulate competitiveness and close relations with the two institutions.
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.
Basics of Sampling Techniques for Laboratories
A training on sampling techniques for laboratories was carried out at SoBS Headquarters in Mogadishu, building technical capacity.
Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coordinated Border Management
TOT program on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) in the IGAD region, held from October 7th to 12th, 2024.