A Brighter Future: Healthcare and Education Powered by Dhusamareb solar energy
In a significant step towards sustainable development, key public institutions in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug State, are now running on clean, reliable solar power. This transformative initiative, part of Somalia’s Electricity Recovery Project (ILAYS), is already delivering tangible benefits by providing free and stable electricity to critical healthcare and education facilities, fundamentally improving the services they offer to the community.
The progress of this vital project was recently highlighted by a high-level delegation led by Somalia’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, H.E. Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame. On February 2, 2026, the Minister, accompanied by the State Minister and Deputy Minister, visited the newly equipped sites to inspect the solar energy systems firsthand. The tour included stops at Dhusamareb General Hospital, a local school, and the Galmudug Ministry of Energy building, all of which are now powered by these new installations.
Immediate Impact of Dhusamareb solar energy on Essential Services
For institutions like Dhusamareb General Hospital, the shift to solar power marks a profound change. Previously burdened by high and often unpredictable electricity costs, the hospital can now redirect its limited resources toward patient care and essential medical supplies. The provision of free, uninterrupted electricity ensures that critical medical equipment can run 24/7, lights stay on in operating rooms, and vaccines and medicines are stored at correct temperatures—all of which significantly enhance healthcare delivery for the entire region.
Similarly, educational facilities gain immense benefits. A reliable power source enables better learning environments with consistent lighting for evening studies, the potential to power computers and other digital learning tools, and an overall improvement in the quality of education.
A Strategic Vision for Dhusamareb solar energy and a Sustainable Somalia
During his visit, Minister Bidhaan emphasized that the ILAYS project deliberately prioritizes social institutions. This strategy aligns directly with the federal government’s national development goals, which aim to ensure all citizens have access to affordable and reliable electricity and water services. By focusing on hospitals and schools, the project makes an immediate and direct impact on the well-being of the community.
The Minister also stressed the critical importance of community ownership in the project’s long-term success. He called for the diligent safeguarding and proper maintenance of the solar energy systems to ensure their sustainability for years to come.
This initiative appears to be part of a broader, ongoing effort to expand renewable energy infrastructure in the region. A recent tender was posted for the installation of solar PV systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in six different buildings across Dhusamareb, signaling a continued commitment to harnessing solar power for public infrastructure.
The successful implementation of the ILAYS project in Dhusamareb serves as a powerful model for the rest of the country. It demonstrates that strategic investments in renewable energy can overcome infrastructure challenges, reduce operational costs for essential services, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for Somali communities.
