Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia is facing a deepening energy crisis that continues to hinder economic recovery, social development, and national security. Despite gradual progress in reconstruction efforts, over 70 percent of Somalis remain without access to reliable electricity, according to government and international development estimates. The country’s heavy reliance on expensive diesel imports and private mini-grids has created one of the highest electricity costs in the world, averaging between $0.40 and $1.00 per kilowatt-hour.

In Mogadishu, small businesses and households depend on privately owned generators and small-scale power distributors that operate without unified regulation. This fragmented system leaves many urban and rural communities in energy poverty, unable to afford or access basic power for lighting, healthcare, and education. In rural areas, where nearly two-thirds of Somalia’s population lives, electricity access is even more limited. Many families rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, worsening deforestation and air pollution.

The Federal Government of Somalia has identified energy reform as a national priority. Through the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Mogadishu has launched policies to expand renewable energy use, promote off-grid solar solutions, and attract private investment under the Somalia National Energy Policy. The government, in collaboration with partners such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme, is implementing the Somali Electricity Access Project (SEAP), which aims to increase access to clean, affordable power in key towns and rural settlements.

However, challenges persist. Insecurity in parts of the country limits infrastructure projects, while poor transmission networks prevent effective distribution of electricity across regions. The lack of a national power grid also discourages large-scale investment. Energy experts warn that without strong governance, clear regulation, and long-term financing, Somalia’s energy sector risks remaining dependent on imported fuels and fragmented service providers.

Energy poverty in Somalia is not just an economic issue—it is deeply intertwined with climate change. The widespread use of charcoal and firewood for cooking and heating is accelerating deforestation, contributing to carbon emissions and land degradation. This environmental damage reduces natural resilience to droughts and floods, both of which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The absence of reliable electricity also prevents communities from powering water pumps, refrigeration units, and early warning systems—key tools needed to adapt to the changing climate.

Ironically, Somalia possesses vast renewable energy potential, particularly solar and wind resources, that could simultaneously reduce emissions and boost energy access. Pilot projects in Galmudug, HirShabelle, and Puntland have demonstrated that solar mini-grids can deliver cheaper and cleaner power than diesel systems. With the right investment and governance framework, renewable energy could play a central role in both combating energy poverty and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

As Somalia pursues its Vision 2030 development plan, expanding access to sustainable energy is seen as a cornerstone of inclusive growth and environmental resilience. The government’s ambition to provide electricity to at least half the population within the next decade underscores both the urgency and opportunity of tackling energy poverty in the era of climate change. For millions of Somalis living in darkness, the transition to renewable energy represents not only a path to development but also a shield against the growing climate crisis.