What You Need to Know
Turkey has announced the start of oil exploration preparations in Somalia, aiming to develop the country’s hydrocarbon sector. The Turkish Energy Minister stated that a drilling ship will be sent to Somalia in February to commence operations, following agreements made during a recent visit by the Somali President to Turkey.
Africa. Turkey has announced the start of preparations for oil exploration operations in Somalia, as the Somali government has been striving for years to develop its hydrocarbon sector and invest in its natural resources.
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Turkey will send one of its drilling ships to Somalia in February to begin oil search and exploration operations, as part of the agreements signed between the two sides.
This announcement came during a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Turkey at the end of December, where he emphasized that exploiting Somalia’s oil resources is a fundamental pillar in the efforts to rebuild the country. The Somali president noted that Somali oil could contribute to state reconstruction, bring about a qualitative transformation in the national economy, and improve the living standards of citizens. He also pointed out that this cooperation would benefit the Turkish economy and enhance Turkey’s diplomatic role on the international stage.
The two countries signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in 2024, focusing on defense and energy, with a primary emphasis on the oil sector. Under this agreement, Turkey committed to providing support for the protection of Somalia’s territorial waters and coastline, a highly sensitive issue given the existing security challenges, as well as tensions related to the separatist ambitions of the Somaliland region.
In this context, Somali authorities previously announced in September that oil exploration operations off the Somali coast were imminent, following the acquisition of exploration rights by the American company Liberty Petroleum in March 2024.
Estimates from American sources, based on seismic studies and geological forecasts, suggest that there may be massive oil reserves in Somalia ranging from 30 to 40 billion barrels. However, these figures remain estimates and can only be confirmed through field exploration operations.
For Somalia, which heavily relies on foreign aid to cover about 60% of its basic needs, exploiting potential oil wealth represents a significant economic opportunity that could help reduce dependence on external support, enhance financial stability, and support long-term development in the country.
Turkey and Somalia have been strengthening their ties, particularly in defense and energy sectors, since signing a cooperation agreement in 2024. This agreement includes significant commitments from Turkey to support Somalia’s regional security and oil sector development, which is crucial given the ongoing security challenges in the region. The Somali government has been eager to exploit its natural resources to rebuild the nation and improve living standards for its citizens, making oil exploration a key priority.
