Nowadays, we can say that video games are a part of the Djiboutian culture, with games like FIFA, Fortnite, and Call of Duty being the most popular. I’m also passionate about video games. After studying abroad in France, I returned to Djibouti, founded an e-sports association in 2018, and organized several e-sports events. As the last step to boost video gaming in my country, we began work on a gaming center where young people
can indulge in the joy of virtual gaming, with other spaces for relaxation and entertainment. However, we ran into a major challenge. At the time, it would not be possible given the exorbitant cost of electricity. I almost gave up.
Djibouti is a small state of just 23,000 square kilometers, but it is blessed with natural resources that could help develop the country. If you type Djibouti into Google, you will find breathtaking paradises like Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa at 153 meters below sea level. Unfortunately, many problems hinder the improvement of living conditions, particularly when it comes to electricity.
Djibouti is among the countries with the most expensive electricity, at an average price of 55 francs (US$16.50) per kilowatts consumed. During the scorching summer, the country suffers from recurring power outages. Some young people even refuse to get married because they do not want most of their income sucked up by electricity. We must find adequate solutions for the future of Djibouti.
For a long time, electricity was seen as an unsolvable problem, but I disagree. Technology is advancing, and projects to lower electricity prices are emerging, such as solar and geothermal power projects that take advantage of the 360 days of sunny weather and geothermal potential. I am also researching the feasibility of using solar panels to meet the gaming center’s energy needs, which could be one of the leading solutions for reducing environmental impact and affordable electricity. If all goes well and there are no restrictions, we intend to invest and restart the gaming center project in 2021.
Developing countries cannot rely on thermal or nuclear power. We have to find solutions that involve exploiting solar and wind-powered renewable energy. I want everyone to have access to affordable electricity so they can follow their dreams, with the well-being of the environment at the forefront of their minds. This is my dream.