The African Development Fund has approved a grants package of $23.36 million to bring clean and reliable electricity to Bosaso, Somalia. The project, named the Rehabilitation and Expansion of Bosaso Power Grid and Strengthening of Energy Sector Institutions, is funded through $9.62 million from the African Development Fund and $13.74 million from the Transition Support Facility. It will introduce new solar generation, expand the distribution network, install modern meters for efficient energy management, and provide solar home systems to families, including internally displaced people who have never had access to electricity.
Somalia faces one of the lowest electricity access rates globally, with around half of the population living without power. Those with electricity rely mostly on expensive and highly polluting diesel generators. Unreliable electricity hinders daily life, limits local business growth, and challenges government agencies in managing the energy sector due to limited technical and financial capacity.
Bubacarr Sankareh, the Bank Group’s Lead Operations Advisor for Somalia, emphasized that the project will transform life in Bosaso by providing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity. The initiative is expected to lower electricity costs for residents, enhance business operations, and improve access to essential household services such as lighting and refrigeration. Cleaner energy will also reduce pollution and improve living conditions in densely populated neighborhoods.
The project will create employment opportunities during construction and in long-term system operations and maintenance. It will also strengthen public institutions through technical training and capacity building, enabling Somalia to better plan and regulate its energy sector.
Environmentally, the shift from diesel generators to solar power and battery storage will significantly cut carbon emissions and support Somalia’s long-term climate goals, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
