This report provides a common operating picture based on diverse information collected from renewable energy experts, development actors, donors, and Somali businesspeople in the traditional and emerging renewable energy market.
Key Findings
This report updates and draws heavily on OEF’s previous Powering Progress report. This report outlines key problems in the Somali energy market, including issues of access, affordability, and reliability. It explores the benefits to the economy, society, and individual families from increased electrification and the potential of renewable energy in contributing to Somali development. Finally, the report outlines key trends in the Somali energy sector and profiles eighteen firms contacted for this study and gives an in-depth appraisal of the investment climate and facilities available to Somali firms in the energy sector. The conclusions and recommendations explore key avenues to improving coordination among stakeholders and increasing the share of renewable energy in the Somali region.
Electricity is a foundational element of the Somali economy and state, and the renewable sector has significant potential in supporting greater access to electricity. Recommendations increasing the potential of renewable energy include the following:
- Improved training and education opportunities
- More effective technology transfer
- Improvements to infrastructure
- Improved governance of energy markets
- Better cooperation and integration among stakeholders
- Starting small
- Information collection and feasibility studies