Mogadishu, Somalia – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday inaugurated a landmark initiative to electrify 150 public hospitals across Somalia with solar energy, marking one of the largest healthcare electrification drives in the nation’s history.
The programme replaces costly and unreliable power supplies that had long strained public facilities. According to officials, hospitals previously paid between $500 and $25,000 per month for electricity sourced from diesel generators or inconsistent local grids. Many facilities were forced to ration power or shut down equipment during outages, severely affecting patient care.
With the new rollout, each hospital will now receive uninterrupted, 24-hour clean energy generated through rooftop solar systems. The installations are expected to drastically cut operational costs, enable continuous use of critical medical equipment, and ensure round-the-clock services in maternity wards, emergency rooms and laboratories.
Prime Minister Barre hailed the project as a milestone in Somalia’s journey toward equitable healthcare and sustainable development.
“This is more than an energy upgrade — it is a lifeline for our people. Hospitals that once struggled to keep lights on will now operate without fear of blackout,” he said during the launch ceremony.
Health workers welcomed the move, saying the transition to solar power will enhance service delivery, especially in remote areas where access to electricity remains limited.
The government has not yet disclosed the full implementation timeline for all 150 hospitals, but installation in priority facilities has already begun. Officials also indicated that maintenance teams and local technicians are being trained to ensure long-term sustainability of the systems.
The electrification drive comes amid broader national efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on expensive imported fuel. If successful, Somalia could emerge as a regional model for solar-powered healthcare systems in low-resource settings.