Energy Access and Renewable Transition Lead Discussions at Somalia Success Stories Forum

 

In a powerful display of ambition and collaboration, Somali government officials, entrepreneurs, and energy experts gathered on Wednesday, October 15, at the 4th Somalia Success Stories Forum in Mogadishu. The event, organized by Hormuud Telecom, centered on the urgent need to expand energy access, modernize infrastructure, and transition toward renewable sources as the country aims to secure a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.

Somalia remains one of Africa’s least electrified nations, with nearly half of its population—around 49 percent—still living without access to electricity. Despite this challenge, the government and private sector are pushing for transformative change.

Energy and Water Resources Minister Abdullahi Bidhaan emphasized the government’s determination to reduce dependence on imported fuel, which currently accounts for about 85 percent of electricity generation nationwide. “Our goal is to bring this figure down to 50 percent within the next three years,” he said. “The rest will come from solar energy, ensuring affordable, clean, and accessible power for all Somalis.”

Without a national power grid, most electricity in Somalia is supplied by private firms relying on diesel generators. Bidhaan noted that rebuilding and modernizing the grid was a government priority, calling it essential for reliable power delivery across regions.

Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama commended local electricity providers for their resilience and innovation, highlighting their success in offering 24-hour power in Mogadishu despite limited infrastructure and high fuel costs. “Reducing the average price of electricity in Mogadishu to $0.36 per kilowatt-hour has taken both vision and investment,” he remarked. “These companies are laying the foundation for Somalia’s recovery and future growth.”

The forum also spotlighted clean cooking solutions as a vital part of the energy transition. Somali Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mohamud Abdikarim Gabeyre praised local gas suppliers—SomGas, Benaadir Gas, and HASS Petroleum—for making cleaner cooking fuels widely available. He noted that these efforts not only improve household safety but also reduce deforestation and environmental degradation. “These companies are helping protect our forests, empowering women, and supporting climate action,” Gabeyre said.

Petroleum and Minerals Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed added that Somalia is exploring domestic oil and gas reserves to strengthen energy security and reduce costly fuel imports.

Hormuud Telecom Chairman Ahmed Mahmoud Yusuf shared that 90 percent of the company’s facilities now operate on solar energy as part of its sustainability strategy. “We have chosen to harness the natural resources that God has blessed us with,” he said proudly.

The forum concluded with a unified call for stronger public-private partnerships to drive the clean energy transition, attract green investments, and deliver affordable power to every Somali home and business.

As the sun sets over Mogadishu, the message from the forum was clear: Somalia’s energy future lies in sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.