Guled Giama, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Shareholder in Cabudwaaq Electric Company (CECO) (formerly Dayah Electric Power Company (DEPCO), Gedo Energy Power Company (GEPCO) and Fanole Juba. The three companies are Electricity Service Providers (ESPs) operating mini-grids in Abudwaq, Beled Hawo and Bardere cities respectively.
Why do you personally work in renewable energy?
Native American folklore depicts the hummingbird as a selfless and hardworking animal that works hardest for the greater good, in the face of adversity, despite its tiny stature. I am similarly motivated as an entrepreneur to invest in clean energy as a socio-economic enabler and create a positive impact at my level to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
In the intricate tale of my life, I embarked on a journey that unfolded like a captivating novel. As the son of a diplomat in France during the 1970s, I ventured into the realms of education, completing secondary school before returning to Somalia as a student at Gaheer University in the vibrant 1980s. The chapters of my life then took an unexpected turn, leading me back to France as a refugee in the tumultuous 1990s. However, it was within the folds of adversity that the most inspiring chapters were written.
I, Guled Giama, a French citizen with roots tracing back to Somalia, left my homeland at the age of nine. A span of eleven years passed before I returned, having completed my secondary education. The corridors of Gaheer University in Somalia became the setting for the next segment of my educational journey, where I earned a degree in economics.
Tragedy struck with the eruption of the 1991 civil war, propelling my family and me to leave our homeland once again. The odyssey unfolded from Mogadishu to Kismayo, navigating the seas to Mombasa port. A transient existence in makeshift camps in Mombasa and later Nairobi preceded our eventual return to France. Amid the challenges of forging a new life, my heart remained tethered to Somalia, particularly my hometown
Over the years, my commitment to supporting my family and community persisted, even from a distance. The year 2013 brought with it a pivotal opportunity: a chance to visit Somalia. It was during this visit that the pressing need for essential infrastructure, especially electricity, became glaringly apparent. The aftermath of the civil war left Somalia devoid of critical infrastructure, prompting a collective initiative with fellow diaspora businessmen. Together, we embarked on establishing the first standardized electricity network in Abudwak.
My professional journey as an international consultant in the manufacturing sector had acquainted me with the rising demand for clean and affordable electricity in African industrial companies. Unbeknownst to me, this awareness would someday manifest into my role as an electricity provider for my hometown in Somalia. Since the inception of the project in 2013, I personally invested my time, knowledge, and resources. As the chairman, chief engineer, sales manager, human resource director, and the liaison between the company and the community, I take pride in announcing the successful installation of electricity at three sites, generating 150 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs.
The act of illuminating the community with light and electricity is a source of profound satisfaction for me.
How does your company engage with local communities?
We operate ESPs as social enterprises that supply power for domestic, commercial, industrial consumption and provision of essential service provision. Our mini-grids create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, hiring permanent and temporary staff. Our operations also support numerous enterprises such as contractors, and equipment/commodity suppliers.
We serve as the pillars for the societies in which we operate by supporting essential public services like education, health, administration, and places of worship, all of whom we supply with free or discounted power (at subsidized tariffs/rates).
Tell us about a recent or upcoming project. What is most compelling about it?
We have several ongoing and planned projects. Most notably is our partnership with Energy Peace Partners and supporting their work to launch the P-REC Aggregation Facility (PAF) in order to scale financing for sustainability and clean energy projects in fragile states. When implemented and fully operational, the PAF will facilitate life-changing financing for endeavors for hundreds of farmers in Somalia, benefiting youth, women and elderly persons alike.
How can/do “Peace RECs” support your project development?
Peace RECs play a vital role in implementing projects that mitigate the root causes of insecurity arising from resource-based conflicts in Somalia. Peace RECs support sustainable investments that create income-generating activities or enhance livelihoods, thus contributing towards peacebuilding in Somalia.
What impacts does renewable energy have in the communities where you work?
The communities we operate in take pride in their contributions towards sustainable livelihoods as espoused by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our preference for solar energy enables our mini-grids to reduce tariffs by between 20% to 50% during off-peak and daylight use, benefiting micro-enterprises, SMEs, and light industries.
Our activities impact mainly access to clean affordable energy (SDG 7) with ripple effects to several other SDGs such as decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG10), sustainable communities (SDG11), and climate action (SDG13).