Somalia Prepares for Historic First Offshore Oil Exploration

Mogadishu. Somalia is preparing to commence offshore oil exploration for the first time in its history. A Turkish state-owned drilling vessel is expected to arrive off the coast of Somalia this Friday. This move follows a successful seismic survey conducted by a Turkish research vessel last year, which identified hydrocarbon potential beneath the seabed.

Somalia's Minister of Petroleum, Dahir Shire, described this as a historic milestone in the nation's offshore energy journey, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation's drilling ship, Kagri Bey, will enter Somali waters via the Arabian Sea on its first international mission. The vessel will conduct drilling operations in deep-sea areas recently identified as having potential.

If successful, the exploration is expected to unlock Somalia's offshore oil reserves and contribute to the country's economic recovery. The government has pledged that the benefits derived from this project will improve the living standards of its citizens. A production sharing agreement was signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2024, institutionalizing cooperation in the energy sector.

Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, stated that this project further strengthens Turkey's position as a long-term, reliable partner. Similarly, Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, noted that the discovery of potential oil or gas would bring significant economic benefits to Somalia, East Africa, and Turkey alike. Turkey has been deepening its ties with Somalia over the past decade, increasing investments in development and security sectors.