Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals’ Participation in the Somaliland Investment Summit 2025.
Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals’ Participation in the Somaliland Investment Summit 2025.
Hargeisa, November 2025 the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland made a remarkable contribution to the Somaliland Investment Summit (SIS) 2025, one of the country’s premier annual events connecting policymakers, local entrepreneurs, African investors, and international development partners.
The Summit, held under the theme “Building Sustainable Investment Partnerships for Somaliland’s Future,” provided an important platform for the Ministry to highlight the nation’s abundant opportunities across three key sectors Energy, Minerals, and Petroleum which together form the backbone of Somaliland’s natural resource potential.
Advancing the Energy Sector: Transitioning to Sustainability and Access for All.
In its presentation, the Ministry reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy system. With electricity tariffs among the highest in the world averaging around $0.59 per kWh the Ministry has prioritized a shift from costly imported diesel generation toward renewable and indigenous energy resources.
Somaliland enjoys exceptional solar irradiation levels (5.5–6.0 kWh/m²/day) and wind speeds averaging 7–9 m/s, particularly along its coastal and inland regions, positioning the country as a future leader in clean energy within the Horn of Africa.
The Ministry highlighted ongoing initiatives such as:
Utility-scale solar and wind projects aimed at reducing dependence on diesel fuel.
Hybrid mini-grids and off-grid systems to expand electricity access in rural and underserved communities.
Energy efficiency programs to lower consumption and improve operational reliability.
Smart grid and battery storage investments to stabilize supply and integrate renewable sources effectively.
To create an enabling environment for investors, the Ministry has already implemented a robust policy and regulatory framework, including the Electrical Energy Act (Law No. 81/2025), the National Energy Policy, the Mini-grid Policy and Regulations, and the Power Sector Master Plan (PSMP) a 20-year roadmap for developing Somaliland’s electricity supply industry.
The Ministry further underscored its collaboration with international partners such as the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, SIDA, and the UAE, who continue to support energy reforms and infrastructure expansion projects.
Minerals Sector: Unlocking Somaliland’s Geological Wealth
Somaliland’s mineral wealth represents one of the most promising frontiers in East Africa’s extractive sector. The Ministry presented compelling geological data indicating that the country’s terrain particularly its Precambrian crystalline rocks and greenstone belts, mirrors the geology of mineral-rich regions in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Since 2020, the government has launched reconnaissance and mapping programs covering more than 15% of the country’s most prospective zones, fully funded by the national budget. These initiatives include satellite studies, geochemistry surveys, and mineral resource identification.
Key mineral resources identified include:
Precious metals: gold and platinum-group elements (PGEs)
Metallic minerals: copper, nickel, lead, tin, and zinc
Industrial minerals: gypsum, feldspar, and quartz
Gemstones: emerald, amethyst, aquamarine, and sapphire
Critical minerals for clean energy technologies: lithium, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements
The Ministry also shared plans for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) support, technical and legal capacity building, and the establishment of a Gemstone Value Addition Centre to promote local beneficiation and job creation.
By maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly legal environment, Somaliland continues to attract interest from regional and international mining companies seeking new opportunities in a politically stable and resource-rich environment.
Petroleum Sector: A Frontier for Exploration and Growth
The Ministry’s presentation on the petroleum sector emphasized that Somaliland remains one of the few under-explored regions globally with proven hydrocarbon systems. Oil seepages, geological surveys, and exploration data confirm the existence of source, reservoir, and trap structures suitable for commercial petroleum development.
Historical exploration, dating back to the 1920s, has led to modern technical discoveries most notably at the Dhagah Shabel wells, where small amounts of high-quality oil (33.6° API) were recovered.
Today, approximately 24% of Somaliland’s petroleum blocks are under active contract with international operators, including Genel Energy and RAK Gas, while 76% remain open for new exploration and investment.
The Ministry has facilitated major seismic programs including over 3,500 km of 2D seismic data for Genel Energy and 800 km for RAK Gas as part of its efforts to provide reliable data to investors.
The petroleum sector operates under a comprehensive and transparent legal framework, guided by the Upstream Petroleum Policy (2015) and the Upstream Petroleum Act (2021). These instruments are aligned with international standards to ensure regulatory clarity, environmental safeguards, and equitable state–investor relations.
Somaliland’s strategic location along the Bab-el-Mandeb shipping route, its stable political environment, and modern port infrastructure at Berbera make it a particularly attractive hub for oil and gas investment.
Minister’s Commitment to Investors
In his keynote remarks, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly environment. He emphasized that the government’s reforms including acts, policies, and institutional strengthening are designed to build lasting partnerships with responsible investors who share Somaliland’s vision for sustainable development.
“The Ministry of Energy and Minerals stand ready to cooperate with all stakeholders local, regional, and international to unlock the full potential of our natural resources,” said Minister Ahmed Jama Barre. “Our laws, policies, and strategic plans ensure that investments in energy, minerals, and petroleum bring long-term benefits to the people of Somaliland.”
Somaliland’s participation in the Somaliland Investment Summit 2025 reaffirmed its determination to transform its vast natural resources into sustainable economic growth. With strong leadership, clear policies, and growing international support, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals continue to pave the way toward a future defined by energy security, industrial growth, and investment confidence.
Department of public relations and communication,
Ministry of energy and minerals of R. of Somaliland.
