Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Ahmed Jaamac Barre, announced on 25th May 2026 the commencement of a significant $24 million renewable energy expansion project in the coastal city of Berbera. This ambitious undertaking is designed to bolster the region’s electricity supply, decrease reliance on fossil fuel-based generation, and champion the city’s escalating prominence as a vital commercial center for the region.
The cornerstone of this Berbera energy project initiative features the installation of a 12MWp solar power generation system, complemented by a substantial 70MWh battery energy storage facility. This dual-component system is engineered to ensure a stable and consistent electricity distribution, thereby improving reliability for countless households, businesses, and industrial entities throughout Berbera and the broader Saaxil region.
Financing for this substantial $24 million Berbera energy project is being provided by UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU). The project is anticipated to deliver considerable advantages to communities across the Saaxil region, with a particular emphasis on benefiting residents and commercial operations within the strategically important port city of Berbera. The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by the presence of several key figures, including Somaliland Minister of Livestock and Rural Development Omar Shu’aib Mohamed, Berbera Mayor Abdishakur Mohamed Hassan, along with senior government officials, prominent energy sector representatives, and esteemed local community leaders.
Government officials articulated that the Berbera energy project is an integral part of Somaliland’s overarching strategy to broaden its clean energy infrastructure and to attract significant international investment across critical sectors. These priority sectors include energy, logistics, and maritime trade, underscoring the nation’s forward-looking economic development plans.
During the launch ceremony held in Berbera, Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre emphasized the government’s perspective on Berbera’s future. He stated that the government envisions Berbera as the forthcoming commercial heart of Somaliland, and consequently, is prioritizing investment-led economic development.
Minister Barre reaffirmed the Somaliland government’s commitment to fostering renewable energy investments. This commitment aligns with pledges made by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro to enhance public infrastructure and extend access to dependable electricity services, a critical component of the Somaliland renewable energy expansion efforts.
Berbera has progressively cemented its position as a pivotal logistics and maritime gateway along the Gulf of Aden. This rise has been significantly fueled by substantial investments directed towards the expansion of the Port of Berbera and the development of the Berbera Corridor, which connects Somaliland to vital regional markets. This latest development builds upon prior successful renewable energy initiatives in Berbera. Notably, GSU previously launched a 5MW solar plant under the “Green Berbera” initiative, also backed by UAE interests. That project was instrumental in reducing dependence on diesel-powered electricity and enhancing sustainable energy access for over 28,000 homes, paving the way for further renewable energy investment.
Officials anticipate that this new expansion project will play a pivotal role in sustaining Berbera’s long-term economic trajectory. It is also expected to significantly reinforce Somaliland’s strategic positioning of the city as a leading regional center for trade, logistics, and clean energy investment within the Horn of Africa. The continued focus on such projects is crucial for the sustained economic growth and energy security of the nation, reinforcing the importance of Horn of Africa energy initiatives.
