Thursday October 16, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s government plans to halve its reliance on imported fuel for electricity generation by 2028 through a major expansion of solar power, Energy and Water Resources Minister Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame announced Thursday.
Bidhan said the plan is part of a national effort to build a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable energy system after decades of dependence on costly diesel-powered electricity. Speaking at the Somali Winners Forum (BGS25) in Mogadishu, he said private Somali companies have been instrumental in driving recent improvements in the country’s power sector.
“We have achieved remarkable progress in Somalia’s electricity sector, thanks to the dedication of Somali companies,” Bidhan said. “I extend my deepest appreciation to these firms for lighting up our communities when the government was no longer functional.”
According to official government data, about 85 percent of Somalia’s electricity currently comes from imported fuel, placing a
heavy financial burden on households and businesses and limiting access to reliable power in many parts of the country.
The government’s plan aims to generate at least 50 percent of the country’s energy from solar power within the next three years. Bidhan said the transition is intended not only to reduce fuel dependence but also to stimulate economic growth, safeguard the environment, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Private investment has already played a significant role in Somalia’s energy revival, with sector contributions nearing $1 billion, according to Bidhan. The shift toward renewables, he added, will create new investment opportunities and help stabilize electricity prices.
The initiative is part of the Somalia Electricity Sector Recovery Project (SESRP) and the National Transformation Plan (2025–2029), both of which prioritize expanding renewable energy production and modernizing power infrastructure.