Mogadishu (AX) – Gazing futureward with resolute optimism, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored Somalia’s unwavering dedication to amplifying its energy capabilities. This strategic tenet is pivotal for ushering in a new era of modernization and economic prosperity, he declared during his invigorating address at the Africa Energy Summit on Tuesday.
As President Mohamud stood before a diverse gathering of African leaders and stakeholders, he painted an evocative picture of the Horn of Africa’s abundant renewable energy treasures. Somalia’s solar and wind assets, he asserted, are not merely resources—they are life-sustaining embodiments of environmentally sound stewardship. “Imagine harnessing the sun’s relentless brilliance and the wind’s eternal whispers,” he mused. “These are the keys to sustainable, vibrant energy for our future.”
The statistics he shared wove a narrative both ambitious and sobering. “The journey to the progress we envision,” he noted with a hint of urgency, “demands energy that is not only affordable but universally reachable. Astonishingly, half of our citizens still grapple with inadequate electricity access. Therefore, as a government, our focus is unwaveringly fixed on invigorating the energy sector. It’s a necessity to fuel industrial growth, revamp our infrastructure, and, perhaps most importantly, elevate public services to dignified standards.”
The Africa Energy Summit couldn’t have concluded on a more unequivocal note. As the curtain was drawn, the ensemble of African leaders, their resolve steely, vowed through the Dar es Salaam Declaration to extend electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. Could there be a more profound testament to the continent’s unified stride towards electrification?
Intrigue followed President Mohamud’s presence. Accompanying him were key figures such as the Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame, and Minister of Finance, Biixi Imaan Egeh. With determination etched on their faces, they embarked on dialogues at the summit’s periphery, engaging counterparts about renewable energy ventures and investment opportunities.
A personal anecdote from the Somali leader infused a touch of humanity and foresight into his rationale. “When I was a child,” he reminisced, a twinkle in his eye, “electricity was a rarity in our village. Now, I dream of lighting up every corner of Somalia.” His anecdotes aren’t mere flashbacks; they are a tapestry of dreams interlaced with the stark realities of yesteryears.
In a resounding call to the international community, President Mohamud extended an earnest invitation. The narrative was clear—Somalia, with its vast untapped options, beckons as a fertile ground for pioneering sustainable energy solutions. “Investing in Somalia,” he posited, “is investing in a future that cherishes and nurtures Mother Earth.” Can you hear the silent thunder of opportunity?
Such efforts symbolize more than economic growth; they represent hope, perseverance, and the spirit of a nation aiming to illuminate its path in an increasingly interdependent world. The pursuit of energy development is not merely an ambition but an existential necessity, mirroring a nation’s resolve to rise from the shadows of challenges past.
And so, with eyes set firmly on the horizon, Somalia marches forward—step by determined step—towards a future defined by light.
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
