MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame, has unveiled a comprehensive government strategy aimed at significantly reducing the cost of electricity for all Somali citizens.
Speaking in a recent interview, Minister Bidhaan emphasized that the current high energy tariffs are a major barrier to development and household welfare. He announced that the government is committed to partnering with private electricity providers to drive down prices and expand access.
“The plan of the Federal Government of Somalia is to ensure that low-cost electricity is available throughout the country,” Minister Bidhaan stated. “The government is ready to support electricity companies to achieve this goal.”
The Minister highlighted recent successes in Baidoa, where a new solar energy project was inaugurated, providing 7-8 megawatts of power with substantial battery storage for nighttime use. He noted that this initiative has already allowed the local utility company to cut electricity prices by nearly 40-50%, a model the government intends to replicate nationwide.
Minister Bidhaan stressed that affordability is key to universal access. He pointed out that many low-income families currently cannot afford electricity, or those who do are forced to limit their usage due to prohibitive costs. The government’s target is to see electricity prices drop below 20 cents per kilowatt-hour within the next five years.
To achieve this, the Ministry is prioritizing renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, which offers a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to diesel generators. The Minister called for a unified effort to transition the country’s energy infrastructure, ensuring that reliable and affordable power becomes a driver for economic growth and improved living standards for all Somalis.
