MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced major progress in Somalia’s long-anticipated oil and gas exploration efforts, confirming that recent technical and scientific assessments have produced positive results and cleared the way for offshore drilling operations expected to begin in 2026.
In a statement issued this week, President Mohamud said tangible advances had been made in exploring the country’s hydrocarbon resources, describing the findings as a potential turning point for Somalia’s economic recovery. He stressed that the government is committed to managing any future production responsibly and in the interests of the Somali people.
The announcement coincides with preparations by Türkiye to deploy one of its deep-sea drilling vessels, Çağrı Bey, to Somali waters. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara plans to begin offshore drilling next year following successful geological and seismic surveys carried out by Turkish Petroleum under a bilateral agreement with Somalia. Erdogan noted that Türkiye has expanded its energy fleet with two advanced drilling ships, one of which will operate off Somalia’s coast.
Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum, Dahir Shire, described the move toward drilling as a historic milestone, saying it would mark the country’s first-ever offshore drilling operation. He emphasized that the project is concrete and irreversible, adding that the arrival of the drilling ship would signal the transition from exploration to production after decades of stalled efforts in the energy sector.
Both presidents made the announcement during talks in Türkiye, where they also discussed strengthening cooperation in security, trade, and emerging technologies. Officials said the oil and gas initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Ankara, with Türkiye remaining one of Somalia’s key allies in reconstruction and development.
Somali officials believe commercially viable oil and gas reserves could significantly boost government revenue, support infrastructure development, and improve social services if managed transparently. President Mohamud reiterated that Somalia’s natural resources would be developed under clear legal and environmental frameworks to ensure equitable benefits for all citizens.
If successful, the offshore drilling project could place Somalia among Africa’s oil-producing nations, marking a significant step in the country’s long-term economic transformation.
