VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, (HornPost) — Djibouti is seeking to accelerate the large-scale deployment of solar energy, particularly in rural areas that remain beyond the reach of the national electricity grid, the Ministry of Energy said Friday.
Djibouti’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Djama Mohamed Hassan, held talks with International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director General Ashish Khanna on the sidelines of the eighth ministerial meeting of the ISA’s Regional Committee for Africa, held Aug. 25-27 in Victoria Falls.
The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between Djibouti and the International Solar Alliance, with particular emphasis on solar training, rural electrification and the development of solar energy infrastructure.
Djibouti Targets Solar Mini-Grids in 20 Priority Areas
Djibouti has requested support from the International Solar Alliance to deploy solar-powered mini-grids in 20 priority areas as part of the country’s national rural electrification strategy.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to electricity in communities that remain disconnected from the national power grid and increasing the use of renewable energy in Djibouti.
According to the Energy Ministry, developing human capital in advanced solar technologies is also a key priority for the government.
The ministry said strengthening technical expertise would be essential to support the long-term expansion, maintenance and sustainability of solar energy projects across the country.
Proposed STAR-C Regional Solar Technology Center
Djibouti and the ISA also discussed the establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in Djibouti.
The proposed center would serve as a regional hub for solar energy expertise and technical training. It could also support the standardization of photovoltaic equipment, strengthen quality-control standards and contribute to regulatory frameworks designed to attract investment in the solar sector.
The center is expected to help Djibouti improve oversight of photovoltaic installations and ensure greater compliance, quality and durability of solar energy systems deployed across the country.
ISA Highlights New Financing for Africa
During the meeting, ISA Director General Ashish Khanna outlined major initiatives aimed at expanding solar energy investment across Africa.
Among them is a solar financing guarantee fund that has been increased from 71 million euros to 200 million euros, with the goal of encouraging greater private-sector investment in decentralized energy generation.
The initiative is intended to help mobilize financing for renewable energy projects and expand access to decentralized solar power in African countries.
Khanna welcomed what he described as Djibouti’s ambitious vision and continued commitment to sustainable development.
He reaffirmed the International Solar Alliance’s support for Djibouti’s efforts to translate its solar energy ambitions into concrete projects.
Djibouti’s Renewable Energy Push
The planned solar mini-grids and proposed STAR-C center form part of Djibouti’s broader efforts to expand renewable energy, improve rural electrification and strengthen technical capacity in the solar sector.
For Djibouti, increased investment in solar power could help address energy-access challenges while supporting the country’s wider sustainable development objectives.
The partnership with the International Solar Alliance is expected to provide technical expertise, training and investment support as Djibouti works to scale up solar energy deployment nationwide.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
