03/02/2026
Today marked the opening of another successful edition of the Intersolar Africa Summit at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, a truly premium gathering under the theme “Empowering Africa through Innovation in Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, and Renewable Energy Solutions.”
This year’s summit is already proving to be the largest renewable energy event in East Africa, bringing together over 50 equipment manufacturers and solution providers from China, India, France, the USA, West and East Africa, Dubai, and Somalia. With more than 2,000 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and technical experts, the event is a powerful reminder of how strong networks drive real progress in Africa’s energy transition.
Beyond the impressive numbers, the true value of Intersolar lies in the connections it enables. For attendees, this platform creates opportunities to exchange ideas, form strategic partnerships, explore new markets, and stay ahead of rapidly evolving energy trends. The exhibition floor and conference sessions are where conversations turn into collaborations, and collaborations into impact.
In line with the summit’s theme, exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions across battery energy storage systems, lithium-ion inverters, state-of-the-art transformers, hybrid generators, and advanced photovoltaic technologies. The conference sessions were equally compelling, featuring high-impact discussions that are shaping the future of energy across the continent.
Highlights included the launch of the Global Solar Council (GSC) Africa Market Outlook 2026–2029 and a focused deep dive into East Africa, where I had the opportunity to present Somalia Energy Insights.
Somalia continues to stand out as Africa’s next frontier for renewable energy investment. With high solar potential, growing energy demand, increasing private-sector participation, and a clear need for scalable off-grid and hybrid solutions, the country presents strong commercial opportunities for manufacturers, developers, financiers, and technology providers looking for early-mover advantage in an underserved but high-growth market.
It was also a pleasure reconnecting with familiar faces from last year’s summit and meeting new ones, learning about the progress made, the lessons learned, and the bold steps being taken across the region. These interactions reaffirm why networks like Intersolar are invaluable: they accelerate learning, build trust, and open doors that no single meeting could.
I will be in Nairobi until the 5th and would be glad to meet, exchange ideas, and explore synergies. If you are attending the summit and would like to connect, please feel free to reach out via my inbox to schedule a meeting.
Tomorrow promises yet another high-energy day, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
Bashiir Soofe IBS Bank Intersolar, Blueflag Energy Co.LtdDelta Engineering and Consultant LTD Somalia Investment Promotion Office, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources Somalia