Empowering Ethiopia’s Heartland: The Promise of Solar Energy for Pastoralist Communities

Around Fiiq heading to far side of Afdheer to implement solar powered water pump in Raaso

As I look back on my years of service in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, as a philanthropist, I can’t help but reflect on the deeply human challenges I witnessed—challenges that were, in many ways, shaped by one critical issue: the lack of electricity. This region, which makes up a significant portion of Ethiopia’s territory, has long been plagued by poor electrification rates. In fact, as of recent estimates, only about 10% of rural communities in the Somali Region have access to electricity, compared to the national average of around 50%. This stark contrast paints a powerful picture of the barriers faced by these communities.

The lack of electricity in the Somali Region has a ripple effect that touches nearly every aspect of life. When I served as the Executive Director of humanitarian and charity organizations in the region, it became glaringly obvious that the absence of power didn’t just affect daily conveniences—it contributed to a cycle of poverty that was hard to break. For pastoralist communities, who rely on livestock as their primary source of income, the lack of electricity meant that they couldn’t refrigerate milk, process meat, or preserve food. The consequences were severe: milk spoiled quickly in the heat, and the inability to process or store meat meant that valuable resources were lost.

The ripple effect didn’t stop there. Without access to electricity, pastoralist communities couldn’t pump water for their livestock, forcing them to travel long distances to find water sources—water that was often contaminated or insufficient to meet their needs. I vividly recall one experience in the Afdheer region, where a group of pastoralists walked for miles, only to find that the water source they had relied on for generations had dried up. It was devastating to watch them struggle, knowing that the problem was not just a drought but the long-standing infrastructure gap.

But these hardships sparked a deeper commitment within me to drive real, sustainable change. It was clear to me that the solution wasn’t just about providing short-term aid—it was about empowering these communities with the resources they needed to thrive. This realization led me to advocate for renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, which could address the core challenges of water scarcity, food preservation, and economic opportunity.

The foundation of SahanTech Innovation, in partnership with global partners, marked a pivotal moment in this journey. By establishing Ethiopia’s first off-grid solar panel manufacturing facility in Raaso, Somali Region, we aim to not only provide electricity but also create a long-term, sustainable solution that would have a profound impact on rural communities. Our goal is simple yet transformative: by harnessing the power of solar energy, we can provide rural Ethiopians with clean, affordable energy, empowering them to improve their livelihoods.

The solar panels produced in Raaso will help address two major issues that have plagued the region: energy access and water scarcity. By using solar-powered water pumps, pastoralists will be able to access clean water more easily and reliably. No longer will they have to endure exhausting, dangerous journeys to find water for their livestock. This shift will also improve the health and productivity of their herds, directly impacting their income and food security.

This initiative is more than just a technological solution; it’s a human-centered approach that will empower communities to take control of their own futures. As the first off-grid solar panel manufacturing facility in the country, it will also create jobs and stimulate the local economy. We’re not just building a facility; we’re laying the foundation for a future where renewable energy can serve as a catalyst for broader development across Ethiopia.

The ripple effect of electricity access in the Somali Region will be profound. Beyond providing essential services like water and refrigeration, electricity opens the door to education, healthcare, and economic growth. It’s hard to imagine how much potential is being wasted simply because a community lacks the basic infrastructure to support its people. As we continue to roll out solar solutions in the region, I’m reminded that this work is a journey that has no end. Every solar panel installed, every water pump powered, and every life improved represents a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

The work we’ve begun through SahanTech Innovation is just the beginning. With each community we empower, we’re not only solving today’s problems—we’re creating the foundations for a better tomorrow. And as Ethiopia continues to grow and evolve, I am committed to seeing this journey through, knowing that the transformative power of renewable energy will play a central role in shaping the country’s future.