International Day of Clean Energy, celebrated on 26 January, highlights the crucial role of climate-friendly energy in building a sustainable future. In Djibouti, a joint programme led by the United Nations is transforming the country’s abundant sunlight into affordable, reliable, and clean energy, creating both new economic opportunities and improved access to electricity.
Djibouti, one of the hottest and driest countries in the world, has historically faced high electricity costs and unreliable supply, limiting economic growth for families, small businesses, and communities. Power generation has been complex and expensive, resulting in some of the highest electricity prices in Africa, which hindered investment and constrained daily life.
The UN, working with Djibouti’s Ministry of Energy, launched the programme “Promoting Solar Self-Consumption for Sustainable Energy in Djibouti,” supported by a seed grant from the Joint SDG Fund. The initiative aims to build a complete solar energy ecosystem, encompassing policy, skills development, market creation, and infrastructure, enabling households and businesses to generate their own clean energy.
In urban areas, Djibouti City is shifting from minimal rooftop solar adoption toward widespread self-consumption, while in rural areas, solar-powered mini grids are providing electricity to towns that previously lacked access, transforming daily life and opening new economic opportunities. The UN has facilitated training for technicians and engineers, engaged the private sector, and supported the installation of mini grids, while national regulations and quality standards ensure safe and high-performance solar deployment.
Within just one year, Djibouti has made remarkable progress, hosting multiple solar companies, training national engineers, and even establishing a facility assembling locally made solar panels. The first National Forum on Solar Energy brought together youth-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, providing a platform to showcase innovations and connect with policymakers and the public.
Further efforts include the creation of green financing mechanisms to help families and businesses access solar installations, the development of a Solar City Simulator in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the expansion of solar mini grids to reach more communities. These initiatives aim to make energy more affordable, reduce carbon emissions, and support the country’s climate commitments.
Beyond energy, the programme drives economic growth and job creation. Lower electricity costs allow households to save and reinvest, help small businesses expand, make existing companies more competitive, and attract new investment. Increased economic activity can generate jobs, strengthen public revenues, and reduce dependency on external aid, positioning Djibouti as both a logistical hub and a center of renewable energy excellence in the Horn of Africa.
The United Nations continues to work closely with the Government and communities to ensure solar energy powers homes, businesses, and the private sector, demonstrating how sustainable energy adoption can accelerate development, support climate goals, and transform economies.
