Lighting the Future: How Badhan Electric Company Transformed a Town's Energy Story
When Abdirisaaq Ahmed Essa and his partners co-founded Badhan Electric Company (BEC) in 2003, their mission was simple but ambitious — to bring light and stability to the people of Badhan during Somalia's post-war reconstruction. In a time when power outages were frequent and reliable electricity was scarce, BEC became a symbol of local innovation.
"Back then, we relied on small diesel generators that constantly broke down," recalls Abdirisaaq, now BEC's Manager. "Customers would lose power in the middle of the night, and running the system was extremely costly."
For years, BEC struggled to meet the town's growing energy demand — until it found a partner that believed in its vision: Shuraako Capital.
The Turning Point: Shuraako's Catalytic Investment
In 2016, BEC received its first round of financing from Shuraako's Nordic Horn of Africa Opportunities Fund (NHAOF), allowing the company to install its first solar power systems and reduce dependence on diesel generators.
However, much of the solar energy generated during the day was wasted due to a lack of storage capacity. Recognizing this gap, BEC secured a second investment of $500,000 in 2021, which was used to install a solar battery bank — enabling the company to store solar energy for use at night, "this was a game-changer," says Abdirisaaq. "We finally achieved 24-hour electricity for the people of Badhan — something that had never been possible before."
The Impact: From Unstable Power to Sustainable Growth
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Following the new investment, BEC expanded its workforce by 65%, hiring new engineers, technicians, and administrative staff — including both men and women.
"As the company grew, we created jobs for local youth," explains Abdirisaaq. "It's not just employment; it's skills, income, and hope for families."
This expansion also strengthened BEC's role as an economic catalyst — enabling local businesses to operate longer hours and support new livelihoods.
Sales Performance
By combining solar power with battery storage, BEC reduced its diesel fuel consumption by 30%, saving nearly 180 barrels per month. This led to an estimated 30% increase in revenue and a major reduction in operating costs.
Electricity tariffs were cut nearly in half — from $1.30 to $0.70 per kilowatt-hour — making energy affordable for households and small enterprises. At the same time, the customer base grew by 70%, reflecting the community's trust in BEC's reliable services.
Business Development and Expansion
BEC's production capacity expanded from 3 megawatts to 10 megawatts, enough to meet the energy needs of the entire town. Customers who once had power for only 12–14 hours per day now enjoy 24-hour electricity. "Before the battery system, we generated 100% of our electricity from diesel," says Eng. Ismacail Jibril Ahmed, BEC's Site Engineer. "Now, we save six barrels of fuel every day. It's cleaner, cheaper, and better for everyone."
BEC is now planning to extend its power grid to neighboring towns, ensuring that nearby communities can also benefit from renewable, affordable energy.
Powering Lives, Empowering Communities
For business owners and residents in Badhan, electricity has become the backbone of daily life.
"I've been a customer for years," says Abdisalam Yusuf Ali local entrepreneur. "Before, power was expensive and unreliable. Now, it's affordable and steady — and our businesses can finally grow."
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Circle of Light
BEC's partnership with Shuraako not only transformed its operations but also positioned it as a model for renewable energy success in Somalia."Our goal is to expand beyond Badhan and connect more towns to clean energy," says Abdirisaaq. "We want to ensure every family has access to reliable power — because energy means opportunity."
Through innovation, perseverance, and partnership, Badhan Electric Company has turned the lights on — and kept them shining — for an entire region.
