Somalia Electricity Recovery Project set at $150 million

On 10 December 2021, Horn Diplomat reported that the Somalia Electricity Recovery Project is a $150 million project, based on a World Bank press release from Mogadishu. The report does not establish what has happened since that date.

The World Bank said the project is set to increase access to cleaner, lower cost electricity for 1.1 million households, or approximately 7 million people, of which 3.5 million are women. The bank also said the project aims to reestablish a stable electricity supply and support regional integration.

According to the World Bank, 9 million Somalis out of a population of about 15 million lack access to electricity services. The bank said 90% of Somalia's electricity is supplied through isolated diesel-based mini-grids operated by private energy service providers, and that the installed capacity is inadequate to serve current and future demand.

The project is set to provide electricity access to 205 health facilities and 380 schools, the World Bank said. Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, said access to affordable electricity is critical for reducing poverty and creating jobs.

Erik Fernstrom, World Bank Practice Manager for infrastructure in Southern and Eastern Africa, said the project's design builds on World Bank experience in fragility, conflict and violence affected countries. The bank did not name a contractor, consultant, or implementing agency for the project.

The report does not state whether the project has started physical implementation or whether any procurement has occurred. The $150 million figure is not restated in the body text, and it is unclear whether it represents total project cost, financing amount, or budget. No specific financing agreement or loan amount for this project is stated; only general background on the World Bank's International Development Association is provided.