Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has taken a decisive step toward redefining its energy future with the launch of the Somalia Energy Forum, officially inaugurated by Minister of Energy and Water Resources Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame. The event brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders in a united call for sustainable power solutions to fuel the nation’s growth.
In his keynote address, Warsame set a candid tone, acknowledging the stark reality that most Somalis receive an average of only six hours of electricity per day. Yet, rather than dwelling on the challenge, he framed it as an opportunity — one that could be unlocked through bold collaboration between government and private sector players.
“This transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. The private sector must be at the forefront, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation and investment,” he declared.
The forum marked a shift in tone from survival to strategy. For years, Somalia’s energy supply has been dominated by fragmented diesel-powered generators operated by local companies and communities. While these systems kept the lights on through conflict and instability, they are costly, inefficient, and environmentally taxing.
Now, the government is signaling a coordinated push toward renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hybrid systems — technologies well-suited to Somalia’s vast natural potential.
Participants at the forum expressed optimism that Somalia’s energy deficit could be transformed into a competitive advantage. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and expansive coastal winds, Somalia has some of the highest renewable energy prospects in the region. What it has lacked, until now, is a unified framework to channel investment and expertise.
Warsame reassured investors that regulatory reforms are underway to streamline licensing, protect consumers, and standardize tariffs. He also hinted at upcoming partnerships with regional and international development institutions to de-risk private sector entry into the market.
For everyday Somalis, the stakes are deeply personal. Reliable electricity is not just about convenience — it is the difference between refrigerated medicine and life-threatening heat, between small businesses stalling at sunset and thriving into the night.
As the forum concluded, there was a palpable sense that Somalia’s energy story is shifting from scarcity to possibility. The road ahead will require persistence, policy discipline, and trust between public and private actors, but the message from the minister was clear: the engine of change has been switched on.