By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Djibouti, 2 February 2026 Djibouti’s Minister of Energy in charge of Natural Resources, Yonis Ali Guedi, led a key meeting on Sunday to discuss the rollout of a rural electrification initiative targeting the country’s most remote areas.
The project, which combines solar energy access with income-generating activities, is supported by Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Energia Park, was attended by Japanese Embassy Second Secretary Yoshitomi Kenta, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Philippe Clerc, and senior ministry officials.
Funded entirely by Japan through a non-refundable grant and implemented with UNDP’s assistance, the project aims to deploy mini-solar grids in off-grid areas, helping to bolster local economic activities while improving resilience to climate change.
Minister Yonis Ali Guedi emphasized that the electrification of rural areas is a strategic priority. "Access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, alongside income-generating projects, will act as a lever for local development," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of accelerating the project, aimed at transforming the daily lives of rural communities.
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Japanese diplomat Yoshitomi Kenta underscored the project’s focus on improving living conditions in remote areas, facilitating both energy access and local economic development. “This project is designed to concrete improvements in the lives of people in remote areas,” he said.
Philippe Clerc, representing UNDP, described the initiative as a “multisectoral” effort combining solar energy with productive electricity use to promote employability, job creation, and entrepreneurship. "The financing of productive activities will allow households to generate income, while ensuring sustainable access to electricity," Clerc added.
The meeting also addressed ongoing energy issues, including enhancements to the As-Eyla power plant and the introduction of prepaid electricity meters in rural regions.
All parties reaffirmed their commitment to the project, which aims to enhance the resilience of Djibouti’s rural communities through collaboration with Japan and UNDP.
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