Istanbul, Türkiye – Türkiye is preparing to commence oil production in Somalia, marking a historic leap in economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement was made by Türkiye’s Minister of Energy, Alparslan Bayraktar, during the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum held in Istanbul.
According to Bayraktar, exploration and production will take place both onshore and offshore, positioning Türkiye among the first foreign partners to invest at this scale in Somalia’s untapped hydrocarbon resources.
The move follows a series of defense, maritime security and investment agreements signed earlier this year, underscoring Ankara’s growing presence in the Horn of Africa.
For Somalia, long dependent on aid and imports, the prospect of oil production offers a pathway toward economic sovereignty. However, it also raises complex questions about resource governance, environmental protection, and ensuring that revenues benefit ordinary citizens rather than fueling new inequalities or conflict.
Analysts say Türkiye’s involvement brings both opportunity and responsibility. Unlike previous extractive ventures led by distant corporations, Ankara has cultivated deep diplomatic and humanitarian ties in Somalia over the past decade — from building hospitals and training security forces to operating Mogadishu’s largest military base. This history has helped build trust, though expectations remain high.
Somali officials have not yet released a production timeline, but preparations are reportedly underway for seismic surveys and field assessments. Communities along the coast are watching closely, hopeful for jobs yet wary of potential displacement.
As drills prepare to break ground, both governments now face a decisive test: transforming natural wealth into shared prosperity — not just headlines.