Turkey has announced that it is preparing to begin oil exploration operations in Somalia, reflecting the deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries, as the Somali government seeks to develop its hydrocarbon sector and harness natural resources to support reconstruction and development.
Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said Ankara plans to send one of its exploration vessels to Somalia in February to begin oil search and exploration activities, in implementation of agreements signed between the two sides in the fields of energy and defense.
The announcement followed a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Turkey in late December, during which he emphasized that exploiting Somalia’s oil resources is a key pillar of efforts to rebuild the state. He said developing the oil sector could bring about a qualitative transformation in the national economy, improve living standards, and reduce reliance on foreign aid, while also benefiting the Turkish economy and enhancing Turkey’s diplomatic standing internationally.
Ankara and Mogadishu signed a dual cooperation agreement in 2024 covering defense and energy, with a particular focus on the oil sector. Under the agreement, Turkey committed to providing security support to protect Somalia’s territorial waters and coastline—an especially sensitive issue given ongoing security challenges and tensions linked to the secessionist ambitions of Somaliland.
According to estimates by U.S. entities based on seismic surveys and geological assessments, Somalia may hold substantial oil reserves estimated at between 30 and 40 billion barrels. However, these figures remain preliminary and can only be confirmed through on-the-ground exploration.
For Somalia, whose economy relies heavily on foreign aid to cover around 60 percent of its basic needs, the potential exploitation of oil resources represents a major economic opportunity that could help strengthen financial independence, enhance economic stability, and lay the foundations for long-term sustainable development.