MOGADISH, SOSALIA – Turkey and Somalia have signed an agreement to commence exploration of land oil and gas, marking a key milestone in their energy partnership, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources announced on Thursday.
The contract, which was concluded in Ankara, grants the state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) the right to conduct seismic investigations on three blocks of land covering approximately 16,000 square kilometers of Somalia.
Energy Minister Alpullan Beirachter emphasized the growing partnership between the two countries at the signing ceremony. He announced that TPAO will employ advanced seismic exploration techniques to assess the potential of Somalia hydrocarbons. However, no specific details regarding the location of the block have been revealed.
Somalia’s Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Dahir Shia Mohamed described the agreement as a “historic day” for bilateral energy cooperation. “The agreement opens a new chapter for the natural wealth of Somalia,” Mohamed said, adding that successful exploration could strengthen relations with its key ally, Turkey.
This latest agreement is based on previous agreements between the two countries. In March 2024, Türkiye and Somalia signed contracts with offshore oil and gas exploration.
Turkish seismic research vessel Oruc Reis is conducting offshore surveys in Somali waters, already completing 78% of the planned explorations, with the study expected to be completed by May. The drilling decision continues based on the data collected.
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Turkey has been increasing its international energy exploration efforts in recent years. For Somalia, the partnership represents an opportunity to leverage untapped resources after decades of conflict.
The exploration begins with an earthquake investigation. The collected data is analyzed to identify viable excavation sites before extraction begins.
Türkiye’s involvement with Somalia exceeds energy. Since then, during hunger in 2011, Turkey has invested heavily in Somali’s infrastructure, education and security since Receptacle Erdogan’s visit to Mogadishu. These efforts include the presence of a navy aimed at humanitarian assistance and combating copyright infringement and illegal fishing.
Although no details on the financial matters of the contract have been made public, the minister also discussed potential mining collaborations, and Somali officials invited Turkish companies to explore mineral resources once a regulatory framework is established.
The agreement shows that relations between Türkiye and Somalia will deepen, unlocking Somalia’s energy potential and fostering broader economic and strategic cooperation.
