Abdi Mohamud Ogges

Ethiopian climate innovator pioneering solar solutions in East Africa

Abdi Mohamud Ogges (b. 1988) is transforming Ethiopia's energy landscape through his company Solar Ethiopia. Starting with rooftop installations in Addis Ababa in 2019, he developed the first pay-as-you-go solar system tailored for rural households without electricity. By 2024, his 'Solar for All' initiative had provided clean energy access to 150,000+ households across 5 regions. Abdi's 2022 collaboration with the African Development Bank created Ethiopia's first solar microgrid in the Afar region. His advocacy led to Ethiopia's 2023 Renewable Energy Act, which now mandates 30% renewable targets by 2030. Featured in National Geographic's Climate Solutions series, Abdi's TEDx Talk "How solar power can transform Ethiopia" highlights his vision. He was named 2022 African Energy Leader of the Year and has partnerships with UNDP and Siemens Energy.