H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh, Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia and current Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative, opened the Ministerial Meeting on Energy in Mogadishu with a call for faster implementation, stronger coordination, and deeper regional integration to address the region’s energy challenges.
Welcoming fellow Ministers of Finance, development partners, and regional institutions, H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh underscored the importance of hosting the meeting in Mogadishu as a reflection of Somalia’s progress and its commitment to regional cooperation. He emphasized energy as a foundational driver of economic integration, trade, and stability across the Horn of Africa.
He highlighted the region’s significant yet underutilized renewable energy resources, noting that despite this potential, nearly half of the population remains without electricity. H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh stressed that scaling up investment must go hand in hand with policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access.
Drawing on Somalia’s experience, he outlined ongoing reforms to strengthen regulation, standardize tariffs, streamline licensing, and attract private investment, while advancing equity and consumer protection. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to regional energy integration through the Eastern Africa Power Pool and preparations for cross-border interconnectors.
He also emphasized the link between energy access, trade, and borderland development, noting that electrifying underserved border regions can unlock economic activity, strengthen trade corridors, and contribute to peace and stability.
As Chair of the HoAI, H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh called for the establishment of a high-level Energy Working Group to accelerate implementation of agreed reforms and regional investments, stressing that time is of the essence in an increasingly uncertain global environment.