Supplier Development Practices for Sustainability of Telecommunication Companies in Somalia

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between supplier development practices and sustainability in Somalia's telecommunications sector, a critical industry for economic growth in a challenging socio-political environment. The research aimed to achieve three primary objectives: identifying supplier development practices employed by telecommunications companies in Somalia, examining the relationship between these practices and sustainability outcomes, and determining the challenges faced in implementing these practices. A descriptive research design was used, gathering primary data from supply chain managers across five major telecom companies, with statistical methods such as regression analysis applied to examine the data. The findings revealed that supplier financing, innovation, and communication were the most implemented practices, positively impacting sustainability by enhancing supplier capabilities and resilience. However, high costs, limited supplier readiness, and cultural barriers were found to hinder broader implementation. The study concluded that supplier development practices played a crucial role in promoting sustainability in Somalia's telecom sector and provided recommendations to improve these practices and address challenges, supporting the long-term resilience of the industry. For future research, it was suggested that studies broaden the scope to include smaller telecommunications firms, which may face unique supplier development challenges. Additionally, future research could explore how supplier development practices vary across different industries in Somalia, providing a comparative view of sustainability practices. Finally, longitudinal studies examining how these practices evolve over time in response to economic and technological changes would offer valuable insights into the long-term impacts of supplier development on sustainability.