Somalia has awarded a major development contract under the Somalia Empowering Women through Education and Skills Project – “Rajo Kaaba”, an initiative focused on expanding educational opportunities and improving skills development for women and girls across the country. Supported by the World Bank, the contract worth USD 2.66 million was awarded to Wardi Relief and Development Initiative on 26 March 2026.

The project forms part of Somalia’s broader strategy to strengthen human capital development, promote gender inclusion, and improve access to education and economic opportunities for women.

Contract Details and Scope

The awarded tender (Reference: SO-MOECHE-422045-CS-QCBS, TOT Ref No. 25656801) carries a contract value of USD 2,661,900.12 and is implemented under Project ID P176898.

The procurement was conducted using the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, a World Bank procurement approach that evaluates both technical expertise and financial proposals to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Although the detailed scope was not disclosed in the award notice, projects under the “Rajo Kaaba” initiative generally focus on:

• Expanding access to education for women and girls

• Skills training and vocational development programs

• Community-based education initiatives

• Literacy and life-skills training

• Capacity building and mentorship programs

• Employment readiness and entrepreneurship support

• Gender inclusion and social empowerment activities

• Institutional support for education and training systems

The project aims to improve long-term socio-economic opportunities for women while addressing barriers to education and workforce participation.

Entities Involved

The project is financed by the World Bank and implemented in collaboration with Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education and related development stakeholders.

The awarded organization, Wardi Relief and Development Initiative, is a Somali development and humanitarian organization involved in education, community development, social protection, and capacity-building initiatives across Somalia.

Strategic Importance for Somalia

Women’s education and skills development are considered essential components of Somalia’s long-term development and recovery strategy. Increasing access to education and vocational opportunities can contribute significantly to economic inclusion, poverty reduction, and social stability.

The “Rajo Kaaba” project aims to:

• Improve educational access for women and girls

• Strengthen workforce participation opportunities

• Promote gender equality and social inclusion

• Enhance vocational and technical skills development

• Support economic empowerment initiatives

• Build community resilience and human capital

Investments in education and skills training also contribute to broader national development goals and sustainable economic growth.

Social and Economic Impact

The USD 2.66 million investment is expected to deliver substantial benefits for women, families, and communities across Somalia.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased participation of women in education and training programs

• Improved employability and income-generating opportunities

• Enhanced literacy and vocational competencies

• Greater community engagement and empowerment

• Strengthened support systems for women and youth

• Long-term socio-economic development benefits

Empowering women through education is widely recognized as a key driver of inclusive growth and social progress.

Technical and Program Delivery Insights

Projects procured under the QCBS method require strong technical capabilities, program management expertise, and measurable development impact. Organizations selected through this approach are expected to demonstrate:

• Experience in education and skills development programs

• Community outreach and engagement capacity

• Monitoring and evaluation capabilities

• Gender-sensitive program implementation

• Institutional and operational expertise

Community-based implementation models are often critical for ensuring accessibility and sustainability in education-focused development programs.

Conclusion

The award of the USD 2.66 million contract to Wardi Relief and Development Initiative marks an important step in advancing Somalia’s efforts to improve education and economic opportunities for women and girls. Through the “Rajo Kaaba” initiative, the project is expected to strengthen skills development, support gender inclusion, and contribute to long-term social and economic resilience.

As Somalia continues investing in human capital and inclusive development, programs focused on women’s empowerment and education will remain central to building stronger and more resilient communities.

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