Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Axmed Jaamac Barre, launched a $24 million renewable energy expansion project in the coastal city of Berbera on Monday. The project aims to strengthen electricity supply, reduce reliance on fuel-based generation, and support Berbera’s role as a regional commercial hub. It includes a 12MWp solar power generation system and a 70MWh battery energy storage facility to improve reliability for households, businesses, and industrial users in Berbera and the wider Saaxil region. The project is financed by UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU) and is expected to benefit communities in the Saaxil region, particularly in Berbera. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Somaliland Minister of Livestock and Rural Development Omar Shu’aib Mohamed, Berbera Mayor Abdishakur Mohamed Hassan, senior government officials, energy sector representatives, and local community leaders. This initiative is part of Somaliland’s strategy to expand clean energy infrastructure and attract international investment in key sectors such as energy, logistics, and maritime trade. During the launch ceremony, Energy and Minerals Minister Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre stated that the government sees Berbera as the future commercial center of Somaliland and is prioritizing investment-led economic development. He also mentioned that many investors and companies are interested in Berbera due to its strategic location. The government will continue to support companies investing in renewable energy to modernize public services and ensure long-term energy security. This project also reflects President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and expanding access to reliable electricity services. Berbera has become a crucial logistics and maritime gateway along the Gulf of Aden, thanks to major investments in the Port of Berbera and the Berbera Corridor connecting Somaliland to regional markets. This new expansion project follows a previous investment in Berbera, a 5MW solar plant launched by GSU under the “Green Berbera” initiative, which aimed to reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity and provide sustainable energy access to over 28,000 homes. Officials believe that this new project will play a significant role in supporting Berbera’s long-term economic growth and reinforcing Somaliland’s efforts to position the city as a regional center for trade, logistics, and clean energy investment in the Horn of Africa.
