Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire, met with members of the Somali Petroleum Authority (SPA) Board of Directors at the Authority’s headquarters to discuss the ongoing progress of the sector, regulatory priorities, and the government’s commitment to enhancing governance and transparency within the country’s petroleum industry.
The meeting, described by the minister as constructive and forward-looking, focused on the key milestones achieved by the SPA in recent months and the challenges that remain as Somalia seeks to attract responsible investment while safeguarding national interests.
Shire expressed his appreciation to the Board for their work in building a credible and transparent regulatory framework for petroleum exploration and development.
“We are determined to ensure that Somalia’s natural resources benefit the Somali people. Strengthening governance and accountability in the petroleum sector is essential to our economic transformation,” he said.
The discussions also touched on the need to align Somalia’s petroleum governance structures with international best practices, particularly as the government continues to negotiate exploration agreements and establish clear fiscal and environmental safeguards.
SPA officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s vision of a well-regulated, transparent, and inclusive sector. They noted that improved collaboration between the ministry and the authority will accelerate the responsible development of Somalia’s petroleum potential and help build investor confidence.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time, as Somalia continues to rebuild its energy institutions and attract both domestic and foreign interest in its untapped oil and gas reserves. For Shire, the path forward lies in ensuring that every step taken in the sector is anchored in good governance, transparency, and national ownership.