MOGADISHU — Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, has announced that offshore drilling off Somalia’s coast could lead to oil production within six to nine months, as Ankara launched its first deep-sea energy venture beyond its national boundaries.
Speaking at a ceremony in Mogadishu to welcome the Çağrı Bey drilling vessel on Friday, Bayraktar described the commencement of drilling as a “historic” achievement in Turkey-Somalia relations, stating it represented a new phase of collaboration in harnessing Somalia’s offshore energy resources.
Seismic Surveys and Drilling Timeline
Bayraktar explained that the project followed seven months of seismic surveys conducted by the Oruç Reis vessel, which gathered 3D data across approximately 4,500 kilometers of Somali waters. He mentioned that the exploration revealed favorable geological formations that justified proceeding with drilling.
Turkey has commenced drilling on its first exploratory well, designated Curad-1, situated roughly 370 kilometers from Mogadishu’s coastline. Authorities indicate that the well could reach depths of up to 7,500 meters, potentially ranking among the deepest offshore wells worldwide.
Bayraktar confirmed that the Çağrı Bey drilling vessel would execute the operation, which he noted represents Turkey’s inaugural deep-water drilling project internationally, signifying Ankara’s expansion into global offshore exploration beyond its own territory.
He reported that approximately 500 personnel would participate in the project, with operations projected to continue for six to nine months, contingent upon maritime and weather conditions.
The minister conveyed confidence that the drilling could yield commercially valuable outcomes, noting that any discovery would enhance Somalia’s economy and reinforce regional stability.
President Mohamud Commissions Drilling Vessel
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially commissioned the advanced Turkish offshore drilling vessel, Çağrı Bey, during a high-level state ceremony at the Port of Mogadishu, marking the formal commencement of Somalia’s deep-sea hydrocarbon exploration.
Addressing the national strategic vision, President Mohamud declared that the arrival of the Çağrı Bey represents a calculated operational leap toward absolute economic expansion, large-scale investment generation, and massive domestic job creation. He delivered a strict directive regarding resource governance, stating that the Federal Government prioritizes the responsible and transparent extraction of natural wealth exclusively for the direct benefit of Somali citizens.
The president guaranteed that the national administration maintains an uncompromising commitment to equitable wealth distribution and institutional integrity. All future revenues generated from the hydrocarbon sector will be directly channeled into funding critical public services, advancing state infrastructure projects, and securing permanent regional stability.
Turkey-Somalia Energy Alliance
President Mohamud convened a high-level executive summit with a delegation from the Republic of Turkey, commanded by Minister Bayraktar, at State House to accelerate the bilateral alliance between Mogadishu and Ankara. The executive agenda prioritized immediate joint operations within the energy sector, the management of natural wealth, and the aggressive expansion of Somalia’s blue economy.
President Mohamud declared that bilateral energy cooperation has officially reached a historic operational phase, securing immense national pride for the citizens of both republics. He explicitly stated that the successful deployment of the Çağrı Bey initiates a definitive new era in the Federal Government’s campaign to drive rapid economic expansion, generate domestic employment, and systematically extract natural resources across Somalia’s maritime and terrestrial zones.
Minister Bayraktar expressed profound gratitude to the president and the Somali public for their high-level diplomatic reception. He officially confirmed that the deployment of the Çağrı Bey and the immediate commencement of active offshore drilling operations directly manifest the successful execution of the shared energy and economic objectives established by the two allied nations.
Turkey’s Expanding Footprint in Somalia
Turkey has increased its diplomatic and economic presence in Somalia in recent years, establishing itself as one of Mogadishu’s principal allies in security, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
The Federal Republic of Somalia is aggressively advancing its national energy sovereignty agenda. Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire officially received the high-level Turkish executive delegation commanded by Minister Bayraktar at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
The strategic deployment directly precedes the official state commissioning of the Çağrı Bey. The arrival of Minister Bayraktar signifies the absolute commitment of the Republic of Turkey to executing this joint operational venture.
Initiating these offshore extraction operations represents a monumental economic leap for the Federal Government. By effectively leveraging this bilateral energy alliance, Somalia is actively transitioning into a primary energy frontier in the Horn of Africa. The successful execution of this drilling mandate will drastically accelerate national industrialization, fund critical state infrastructure, and completely secure the long-term economic independence of the republic.
Ambassador Highlights Job Creation Potential
The ambassador expressed confidence that sufficient efforts have been made for the rollout of offshore oil and gas production, a development that would significantly contribute toward Somalia’s economic progress.
“The exploration project is expected to create jobs for Somali youth and support skills development in the energy sector,” Ambassador Ospite said. “Beyond direct employment, this partnership is likely to stimulate broader economic growth by attracting investment, strengthening local industries, and increasing government revenues.”
“With improved financial capacity, Somalia will be better positioned to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare and housing, supporting long-term national development,” he added.
The ambassador indicated that the initiative extends beyond hydrocarbons, with plans to deepen cooperation in technology transfer, infrastructure development, and education.
Economic Transformation and National Pride
The Somali government views the exploration project as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. According to Minister Shire, the impact of drilling results could be felt soon, particularly in boosting the country’s economy.
“Oil exploration is aimed at economic transformation, and once drilling delivers results, the first impact will be economic,” Shire has previously stated.
For decades, Somalia’s oil and gas potential remained largely untapped due to civil conflict, leading to public skepticism about the sector’s viability. However, government officials say that sentiment is now shifting, especially after Somalia entered into an economic partnership with Turkey. Many Somalis see the docking of Çağrı Bey as a symbol of renewed hope.
The offshore campaign rests on a formal bilateral framework signed in March 2024, when Turkey and Somalia concluded an intergovernmental agreement and memorandum of understanding covering onshore and offshore oil and gas cooperation. The deal spans exploration, evaluation, development and production, as well as midstream and downstream activities, including transport, refining and sales.
The historic commissioning at the maritime port demonstrated the massive political and diplomatic weight of this energy initiative. The executive assembly included the Deputy Speaker of the House of the People, the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, the President of Galmudug State, various federal cabinet ministers, and the Mayor of Mogadishu, alongside a powerful contingent of international ambassadors and high-ranking dignitaries, validating the global magnitude of this joint operation.
