Household electricity access in Somalia: a multidimensional analysis of housing quality, energy access, and living standards

Abstract Electricity access is a key driver of human development, yet it remains insufficient in Somalia. This study examined the determinants of household electricity access, focusing on housing quality, energy access, and living standards. Using nationally representative data from the Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey 2022 (SIHBS-22), composite indices were constructed through principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis assessed the relationships between these indices and electricity access. The findings showed that higher housing quality, better energy access, and improved living standards were significant predictors of electricity access. Additional factors, including remittance inflows, displacement status, and residential location, also influenced access. The results highlight the need for a multidimensional approach to energy poverty, informing integrated policy frameworks that address housing, energy, and socio-economic well-being.