At a time when electricity was both scarce and costly, SolarGen emerged as a beacon of innovation in the renewable energy space, designing tailored solar solutions for households, businesses, farms, and entire towns.
In 2012, a group of ambitious young Somali entrepreneurs launched SolarGen Technologies with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to communities across Somalia.
Over the years, SolarGen built a reputation for engineering excellence, earning the prestigious Greater Good Award in 2019 for its pioneering work in miniature solar grids. But it wasn’t until the company received strategic financing through Shuraako that its true growth potential was unlocked.
A Transformational Partnership with Shuraako
Like many growing businesses in Somalia, SolarGen faced a major hurdle: access to capital. That changed when the company secured $496,127.22 in financing from the Nordic Horn of Africa Opportunities Fund, facilitated by Shuraako.
“Shuraako helped us overcome a significant investment barrier,” explains Esa Haji Mohamed, SolarGen’s Business Development Manager. “Thanks to the financing, we were able to import high-tech solar equipment that wasn’t previously available in Somalia. This not only enhanced the quality of our services but also allowed us to scale our operations significantly.”
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Before the investment, SolarGen employed 11 permanent staff. Today, the company boasts 28 full-time employees and 7 non-permanent staff, representing a 155% increase in staffing. These new positions span engineering, technical installation, sales, and customer service, providing meaningful employment and skills development opportunities across several cities.
The ripple effects of job creation go beyond SolarGen itself. By enabling clean, affordable energy access—especially for water-pumping and irrigation systems—the company has helped farmers increase productivity, cut diesel costs, and protect the environment. “In 2024 alone, we installed solar panels for 110 water wells,” says Ahmed Sharif Ali, SolarGen CEO. “Farmers now irrigate without worrying about fuel prices or pollution.”
Revenue Growth and Sales Performance
With improved technology and an expanded team, SolarGen’s operational efficiency and market reach have soared. The result? A remarkable 35–40% increase in revenue post-financing. Major installations, such as an 81-kilowatt grid-tied system for Safari Apartment and a 104-kilowatt system for Safari Restaurant, underscore their growing portfolio. An ongoing project at Istanbul Hall in Mogadishu, featuring over 200 solar panels, further reflects the scale and sophistication of their work.
Strategic Business Development and Expansion
Prior to the Shuraako investment, SolarGen relied on local representatives in cities where it lacked a physical presence—an approach that incurred high travel costs and limited client interaction. Today, thanks to the $496,127.22 investment, SolarGen is constructing four new showrooms in cities where customer demand is already high. This expansion will not only reduce operational costs but also improve accessibility and service delivery.
“Our vision is to bring renewable energy solutions closer to the people,” says Esa. “With these new showrooms, we’re doing just that, expanding our footprint while staying connected to our communities.”
SolarGen’s innovation extends to mini-grid hybrid systems capable of powering entire towns, such as Warsheikh and Farjano. These projects, once aspirational, are now a reality, made possible by the strategic injection of capital and the unwavering dedication of the SolarGen team.
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