By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somalia Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, accompanied by the Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Mr. Shuayib Osman Mahmoud, launched on Wednesday a meeting to develop the 10-year strategy for the Somaliland electricity sector.
The meeting was attended by members of the cabinet, directors general, members of the Somaliland House of Representatives, the Mayor of the capital Hargeisa and some of the electricity service companies and officials from the World Bank, experts and stakeholders with extensive experience in preparing and implementing strategic plans.
It would focus on how the Somaliland community can access affordable and reliable electricity services.
The DG explained the meeting to prepare the 10-year Strategy for the Electricity Sector, and pointed out that the main objectives of the meeting are to plan the implementation of the affordable, safe and reliable electricity sector.
Speaking on the matter, he said, “This task will be one of achieving the success of the nation in developing the Energy Sector by raising the standard of living of the society and the industry”.
He noted that it was imperative to formulate and put the strategic plan in place such that affordable and highly secure electricity supply is realized in order to propel economic and associated development in the country.
The meeting was also addressed by some of the participants, including the Mayor of Hargeisa, Members of the Somaliland House of Representatives and other officials, who briefed the nation on the importance of obtaining cheap and reliable energy, noting that it would boost the country’s economy and enable the establishment of self-sufficient industries in the country.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Eng Ahmed Jama Barre, who opened the meeting, underscored the importance of this strategic plans and its importance to the nation, livelihood and development as a whole.
He pointed out that the most important objectives of the 10-year strategy meeting are to utilize and renew energy, so that the community can get sufficient, affordable, and reliable energy.
“The importance of us gathering here today is the launch of the preparation of the 10-year strategy for the Somaliland Energy Zone, which was part of the 100-day action plan of the government of unity and action”, he underpinned.
He concluded the meeting by thanking the review committee and all participants for their efforts in shaping the plan. He emphasized the importance of the meeting for the ministry’s future, particularly in establishing clear strategies to achieve sustainable development and measurable progress.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening efforts to improve its operational activities, ensuring the strategic objectives of the upcoming Ten-year plan are realized.
During the session, participants analyzed the challenges and opportunities facing the ministry, exchanging critical ideas to advance the plan.
Key points were as Follows-:
- Strategic Vision: The ministry aims to contribute to Somaliland’s socio-economic development by 2030 through sustainable energy and mineral resource management.
- Infrastructure Development: The Hargeisa Local Government is overseeing the construction of the main road from central police station to the city’s min bride, a project which is about completed.
- Operational Frameworks: The ministry recently launched job description booklets to clarify roles and responsibilities within its departments, aligning with its institutional structure.
- Regional Collaboration: Somaliland’s energy sector has previously joined the East African Power Market (2022), a milestone for regional integration.
- Ongoing Projects: The ministry is implementing renewable energy initiatives, including solar systems and battery storage for 150 health centers and 215 educational facilities.