Tuesday 3, June ,2025 {HMC} Somalia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to enhance cooperation in the field of renewable energy, marking the latest step in Somalia’s efforts to reform its energy sector.
The agreement was announced by Somalia’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame, during his address at the 30th Anniversary Baku Energy Forum. The memorandum focuses on renewable energy development, capacity building, and knowledge sharing between the two nations.
“Guided by the National Transformation Plan, Somalia is implementing large-scale initiatives to expand access to electricity, harness the potential of renewable energy sources, and strengthen climate resilience,” Warsame stated.
He described the Baku Energy Forum as a key platform for Somalia to engage with international partners. “I am confident that the Baku Energy Forum will provide a strategic platform for interaction with global technical, financial and political partners. This will support reforms in Somalia’s energy sector and our efforts to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future,” he added.
Warsame pointed to tangible progress already made, including the construction of a solar power plant with a capacity of at least 800 megawatts. He said Somalia remains focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“Somalia has all the necessary resources and potential for this. The country is going through a transformational period of recovery and institution building, and energy reforms are central to our national development strategy,” he said.
The agreement builds on several earlier diplomatic engagements between the two countries. In February, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev, led a delegation to Mogadishu to lay the groundwork for expanding cooperation across energy, education, defence, and humanitarian sectors. That visit was followed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s first official trip to Baku, where he met with President Ilham Aliyev and signed additional agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The renewable energy pact is part of a growing portfolio of cooperation. In addition to the agreement signed by Minister Warsame, Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February with Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov. That agreement focused on joint exploration of oil and gas, technology transfer, and investment promotion in Somalia’s energy sector.
Officials say the green energy agreement is aimed at addressing Somalia’s critical infrastructure gaps while developing its human capital. The Somali Council of Ministers approved the energy and education agreements earlier this year, underscoring their alignment with national development goals. According to Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, “These agreements will enhance education and energy collaboration, laying the groundwork for long-term benefits.”
Azerbaijan’s expanding ties with Somalia are also part of a foreign policy push toward Africa, where Baku is looking to build new alliances in energy, infrastructure, and defence. The two countries have also signed and ratified a defence cooperation agreement, allowing for military training, defence industry collaboration, and technical exchange—contributing to a foundation of mutual trust that supports their growing energy partnership.
The Baku Energy Forum brings together policymakers, energy leaders, and development partners to discuss sustainable energy transitions and foster collaboration across emerging and established markets.
