Somalia, 4 October 2025 – Somalia has launched a major shift toward renewable energy in its health sector, connecting 150 hospitals and clinics to solar power systems for the first time.
The government said the move will reduce dependence on diesel fuel and cut costs while ensuring critical medical services run without interruption.
The project, financed through the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, introduces solar panels with backup battery storage to deliver uninterrupted electricity for operating theatres, laboratories, and emergency wards.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, speaking at Martini Hospital during the launch, said reliable electricity is central to improving healthcare.
He described the rollout as a step that “moves Somalia from costly generators to clean, locally available power that can save lives.”
Energy Minister Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame confirmed that by the end of 2025, another 215 medical facilities will be added, bringing the total to 365 public health centers nationwide.
Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adan said the systems would directly improve maternal and child survival by ensuring that life-saving procedures are not interrupted by power cuts.
Hospital directors and civil society groups welcomed the initiative, pointing to its potential to reduce financial pressure on facilities and expand services into rural areas where private generators are often unaffordable.
Independent observers noted that Somalia’s broader renewable energy transition remains donor-dependent but said the electrification of health facilities marks a significant entry point for sustainable energy use.
Officials emphasized that while the program targets hospitals first, the model could be extended to schools and other community services.
Analysts argue that if sustained, the program could help Somalia not only stabilize its health system but also emerge as a test case for renewable energy adoption in fragile states.