RIYADH – Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Abdiwahab Abdi Omar (Ananuug), attended the high-level Arab League Mining Ministers meeting in Riyadh. In a statement to the media, the Deputy Minister outlined his participation in the Future Minerals Forum (FMF 2026), presenting Somalia as a viable destination for emerging opportunities in the mining sector.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the forum served as a platform for discussing mineral development prospects, addressing global resource demands, and establishing frameworks for ethical investment. The event brought together key decision-makers to strategize on utilizing the region’s natural resources to drive economic diversification and meet future material needs.
During the conference, Deputy Minister Abdiwahab held multiple bilateral discussions with counterparts, industry specialists, and international partners. In these engagements, he highlighted the potential of the mining industry to stimulate economic growth and create employment for Somali workers. He provided a detailed overview of Somalia’s untapped mineral wealth, emphasizing the nation’s geographic advantage as a hub for international trade.
Participation in FMF 2026 aligns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategic objective of attracting foreign investment. The Federal Government is focusing on a resource management framework that ensures responsible development while safeguarding national interests. This diplomatic outreach in the mining sector complements the government’s recent progress in hydrocarbon exploration. With preparations for offshore drilling advancing, Somalia is signaling its readiness for collaboration, offering a secure environment for global investors to partner in developing its natural resources.
