Muruqmaal Energy and Electric Cooperative

• Year Founded: 2024
• Location: Hilaweyn Refugee Camp, Dollo Ado Complex, Ethiopia
• Energy Solutions and Services: Solar home systems, solar-powered energy kiosks, DC appliances (refrigerators, water pumps), charging services, refrigeration, washing services
• Thematic Areas of Focus: Renewable energy access
• Number of Employees: 12
• Contact: isackyusufisack@gmail.com

Muruqmaal Energy and Electric Cooperative's Impact Story

Refugees and host communities face a critical lack of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Many households and businesses are forced to depend on unsafe and costly fuels, such as kerosene and disposable batteries, which limit productivity and the ability to engage in different activities. Vulnerable groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities, are particularly affected, with limited access to the energy resources they need to thrive.

To address these energy challenges, Muruqmaal Energy and Electric Cooperative provides innovative, community-driven solutions. The organization offers solar home systems (SHS) under affordable pay-as-you-go (PayGo) models which enable households to gain access to reliable off-grid electricity. The cooperative also operates solar-powered energy kiosks, which serve as hubs for mobile charging, refrigeration, and washing services, creating both convenience and new livelihood opportunities. In addition, Muruqmaal invests in capacity building, training community members in solar system maintenance and essential business skills to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Muruqmaal Cooperative’s initiatives have generated wide-reaching benefits for both refugee and host communities in Hilaweyn Refugee Camp. By providing affordable solar energy, the cooperative has fueled economic growth, enabling small businesses to grow by extending working hours and reducing operating costs. Its programs promote social equity, giving vulnerable groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities, greater economic independence and improved living conditions. At the same time, the shift to clean energy has created a positive environmental impact, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

Success Factors

There are four key actors which drive Muruqmaal Cooperative’s success:

• Community-driven approach: The cooperative’s structure ensures refugees and host communities are directly involved in decision-making and operations.
• Sustainability plan: Its revenue reinvestment model ensures long-term viability.
• Strategic partnerships: The cooperative receives support from Acumen, Ashden, UNHCR and other key stakeholders committed to increasing last-mile energy access and livelihood opportunities for displaced people.
• Inclusive development: By prioritizing vulnerable groups, the cooperative has strengthened social equity and earned broad community trust and participation.

Future Plans and Support Needs

Muruqmaal Cooperative aims to scale its impact by expanding SHS distribution to more households and businesses, introducing new DC appliances, such as refrigerators and water pumps, and strengthening member capacity through advanced technical and business training. The cooperative also plans to replicate its model in other refugee camps and host communities across Ethiopia and the region while simultaneously investing in more efficient solar technologies and digital payment systems to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

To achieve these goals, Muruqmaal seeks funding for advanced solar systems and business expansion, technical assistance to strengthen supply chains and upgrade technologies, strategic partnerships to boost financial sustainability, and policy advocacy support to develop a landscape favorable for the growth of refugee-led enterprises.

About the Founder

Isak, the founder of Muruqmaal Energy and Electric Cooperative, turned his experience of displacement into a force for change. Originally from Somalia and now living in Hilaweyn Refugee Camp, he saw how the lack of reliable energy was holding back both refugee and host communities. Determined to create solutions, he established Muruqmaal Cooperative to deliver clean, sustainable energy and open new pathways for livelihoods and growth. His journey, from fleeing conflict to empowering communities with solar power, shows how innovation and resilience can transform hardship into opportunity, fostering both economic inclusion and social harmony.