From Paper to Digital: Somalia’s Standards Services Move Online

The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS), with support from HoA DRIVE Somalia, is advancing the digital transformation of its standards and conformity assessment services through the development of the SoBS Integrated Management Information System (IMIS).

The platform brings previously separate and paper-based processes into one unified digital system, allowing businesses and other applicants to apply for certification, upload supporting documents, track the progress of their applications and access national standards through a central platform.

SoBS is responsible for quality and compliance services relating to goods imported, exported, manufactured and used across Somalia. Through the new digital platform, applicants will be able to submit documentation electronically, respond to review queries and receive electronic notifications throughout the application process.

The system supports certification services across several categories, including imported goods, halal products, manufactured products, service providers and exports. hoadrive.info

Making Certification Simpler

To improve accessibility and user support, the platform includes an AI-assisted chatbot available in both Somali and English. The chatbot provides guidance based on approved SoBS information and official registers, helping users understand certification requirements, prepare required documentation and navigate applications, payments and certificate verification.

Public-facing services also include a searchable standards catalogue, a directory of certified companies and products, and a certificate verification facility allowing users to confirm certificate validity using a certificate number or QR code.

Internally, the system integrates certification processes with inspection records, metrology, document management and financial records. This provides SoBS staff with improved visibility of pending activities, processing timelines and institutional records while supporting traceable decision-making and reducing repetitive paperwork.

As highlighted by Dr. Mohamed Khalif, HoA DRIVE Technical Advisor at SoBS, effective standards institutions depend on clear procedures, reliable records and traceable decisions. hoadrive.info

Connecting Standards and Trade

The digitalization initiative forms part of HoA DRIVE Somalia’s broader support to strengthening Somalia’s quality infrastructure and facilitating trade.

The platform has also been designed to support future integration with other national systems, including Customs, the National Single Window, livestock traceability systems and digital veterinary certification platforms. Such integration is intended to enable government institutions to exchange relevant records electronically and reduce repeated submission of the same information by businesses.

The next phase of the initiative will focus on data migration, staff training, cybersecurity reviews and preparations for broader system rollout. The platform will also be aligned with SoBS quality management procedures to support clear, consistent and traceable workflows across the institution.

The initiative represents an important step toward making standards, certification and conformity assessment services more accessible, transparent and efficient for businesses and stakeholders across Somalia.