Somalia Launches Oil Drilling Initiative to Boost Economic Growth and Infrastructure
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has announced that the country will begin oil drilling operations in the coming months, marking a significant step toward harnessing Somalia’s natural resources for national development.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 7th Session of the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu, President Mohamud said the initiative will be a catalyst for Somalia’s growth.
“We are committed to using Somalia’s natural wealth to fuel growth,” he stated, outlining plans for major infrastructure projects including new roads, airports, ports, and Africa’s first satellite launch station.
Somalia’s Oil Potential
Experts believe Somalia may hold some of the world’s largest untapped oil reserves, offering significant potential to transform the nation’s economy.
In October 2024, the Turkish oil exploration vessel Oruç Reis arrived in Somalia to conduct seismic surveys across three regions under exploration licenses secured by Türkiye.
During an inspection tour, President Mohamud described the survey as a major milestone, reinforcing Somalia’s ambition to utilise its resources for economic and social development.
Strengthening Somalia-Türkiye Energy Cooperation
To advance exploration efforts, Türkiye and Somalia signed an onshore hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement in April 2025.
This deal grants the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) the rights to explore three land blocks covering approximately 16,000 square kilometres in Somalia.
The upcoming drilling phase reflects Somalia’s strategic push to transform its energy sector and leverage natural resource wealth to drive long-term economic growth and infrastructure development.
