HOUSTON, TX – A high-level Somali delegation led by Ambassador Dahir Mohamud Hassan, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Abdirizak Omar Mohamed (Daha Shire), and Eng. Abdulkadir Mohamud, Chief Executive Officer of the Somali Petroleum Authority (SPA), held discussions with leading U.S. oil and gas executives on Monday during the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy (IMAGE) conference in Houston, Texas.
The talks focused on strengthening Somalia–U.S. energy cooperation and attracting fresh investment into Somalia’s growing petroleum sector. Somali officials highlighted the country’s significant offshore and onshore hydrocarbon potential, noting that recent seismic surveys have revealed promising reserves that could transform the country’s economic outlook.
Minister Mohamed emphasized that Somalia is committed to transparent and investor-friendly policies, pointing to reforms in licensing frameworks, revenue-sharing agreements, and regulatory oversight.
“We are building an energy sector rooted in accountability and opportunity, and we welcome U.S. firms to be part of Somalia’s energy future,” he said.
Ambassador Hassan underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, noting that expanding energy cooperation between Somalia and the United States could also deepen broader diplomatic and economic ties.
Eng. Mohamud briefed executives on the Somali Petroleum Authority’s regulatory role and its recent progress in establishing clear frameworks for exploration and production. He stressed the government’s determination to ensure that oil and gas development benefits the Somali people while maintaining international standards of environmental and social responsibility.
The meeting in Houston comes at a time when Somalia is pushing to position itself as an emerging frontier for energy exploration in the Horn of Africa. Officials believe stronger engagement with U.S. companies will not only accelerate exploration efforts but also build long-term capacity through technology transfer and skills development.
The IMAGE conference, which brings together thousands of energy leaders, geoscientists, and engineers from around the world, provided Somalia with a global platform to showcase its energy potential and reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation.
