Bosaso, Puntland – The Directors of the African Development Fund have granted $23.36 million to establish clean and stable electricity services in Bosaso, Somalia. This initiative, known as the Rehabilitation and Expansion of Bosaso Power Grid and Strengthening of Energy Sector Institutions, combines funding from the African Development Fund ($9.62 million) and the Transition Support Facility ($13.74 million).
It will implement additional solar generation capabilities, extend the distribution network, and deploy advanced meters to assist households in monitoring their energy consumption more effectively.
The project will also provide solar home systems to households previously without electricity, especially internally displaced persons living in precarious situations. Somalia possesses one of the world’s lowest rates of electricity accessibility.
Approximately half the population lacks electrical power. Connected consumers face exorbitant charges since most electricity derives from diesel generators, which are costly to operate and environmentally harmful. Insufficient and unreliable electricity complicates daily routines and constrains the advancement of local enterprises.
Government departments also encounter challenges in overseeing the sector due to restricted technical and financial resources. Bubacarr Sankareh, the Bank Group’s Lead Operations Advisor for Somalia, expressed enthusiasm for the approval, stating: ‘This initiative will transform daily life in Bosaso for families and small businesses. It will render electricity more affordable, environmentally friendly, and dependable, representing a substantial advancement toward a more robust and sustainable energy future for Somalia.”
These initiatives anticipate decreasing electricity expenses for local inhabitants and enabling businesses to function more efficiently. Marketplaces, small retail establishments, and service providers will gain advantages from consistent and more economical power supplies. Households will enjoy improved access to illumination, refrigeration, and essential domestic services.
Cleaner energy sources will also diminish pollution and enhance living standards in densely populated communities. The project will generate employment opportunities during construction and create long-term positions in system operations and maintenance. It will also bolster public institutions through technical training and institutional development, enabling Somalia to more effectively plan and govern its energy sector.
The favorable environmental consequences will be considerable. Substituting diesel generators with solar power and battery storage will decrease carbon emissions and align with Somalia’s enduring climate objectives.
