Mogadishu (HOMogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's oil exploration project, conducted by a Turkish-owned research vessel off the Somali coast, is set to conclude by April 2025, according to Abdulqadir Mohamed Aden, chairman of the Somali Petroleum Agency. The ongoing oil exploration in Somali waters is spearheaded by Turkey’s state-owned energy company, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). The seismic surveys began in late 2024 and are being conducted by Türkiye’s Oruc Reis vessel, which is expected to collect crucial three-dimensional seismic data. These studies are expected to provide vital insights into potential oil and gas reserves in Somali waters to identify the most promising drilling sites. Aden confirmed that barring unforeseen complications, the exploration will finish before the onset of adverse sea conditions.
“We are on track to wrap up by April, as long as no major challenges arise,” Aden said. “The ships will direct their efforts toward the coast of Hobyo, and by the end of the month, we will pinpoint the exact drilling locations.” Further exploration and drilling are anticipated to begin in earnest once the seismic studies are concluded, with some experts estimating that the Somali government could begin extracting resources by 2026. Aden expressed optimism about the economic prospects, emphasizing that the revenue generated from oil could help Somalia overcome its long-standing economic challenges. "This project will pave the way for us to become self-sufficient in energy production, and it will provide a foundation for Somalia’s long-term economic growth," Aden stated.
Somalia’s efforts to develop its hydrocarbon resources are critical to its wider economic strategy. The oil sector remained largely dormant for decades due to the civil war, which disrupted earlier exploration attempts in the 1980s. Following the establishment of a federal government in 2012, Somalia has renewed its focus on its natural resources, establishing the Somali Petroleum Agency in 2020 to oversee oil exploration and ensure transparency. Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar has described Türkiye’s activities as a “game changer” for Somalia, signalling a shift in the energy landscape. Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, has expanded its energy cooperation by securing licenses for offshore blocks and signing agreements to explore and exploit these resources. In 2024, Türkiye and Somalia signed a landmark agreement that grants Turkish firms exclusive rights to explore and produce oil in three offshore blocks along Somalia’s coast. Bayraktar also noted that seismic studies will be critical for other international companies, such as American firms that hold licenses for exploration in Somali waters, in assessing the viability of their potential operations.
“We are on track to wrap up by April, as long as no major challenges arise,” Aden said. “The ships will direct their efforts toward the coast of Hobyo, and by the end of the month, we will pinpoint the exact drilling locations.” Further exploration and drilling are anticipated to begin in earnest once the seismic studies are concluded, with some experts estimating that the Somali government could begin extracting resources by 2026. Aden expressed optimism about the economic prospects, emphasizing that the revenue generated from oil could help Somalia overcome its long-standing economic challenges. "This project will pave the way for us to become self-sufficient in energy production, and it will provide a foundation for Somalia’s long-term economic growth," Aden stated.
Somalia’s efforts to develop its hydrocarbon resources are critical to its wider economic strategy. The oil sector remained largely dormant for decades due to the civil war, which disrupted earlier exploration attempts in the 1980s. Following the establishment of a federal government in 2012, Somalia has renewed its focus on its natural resources, establishing the Somali Petroleum Agency in 2020 to oversee oil exploration and ensure transparency. Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar has described Türkiye’s activities as a “game changer” for Somalia, signalling a shift in the energy landscape. Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, has expanded its energy cooperation by securing licenses for offshore blocks and signing agreements to explore and exploit these resources. In 2024, Türkiye and Somalia signed a landmark agreement that grants Turkish firms exclusive rights to explore and produce oil in three offshore blocks along Somalia’s coast. Bayraktar also noted that seismic studies will be critical for other international companies, such as American firms that hold licenses for exploration in Somali waters, in assessing the viability of their potential operations.
With over 200 potential oil blocks in its seas, Somalia's future in the energy sector looks increasingly promising. However, the success of this project hinges not only on the successful completion of seismic surveys but also on the ability to mitigate the ongoing security concerns that have long plagued the country. Experts suggest oil revenue could transform Somalia’s economy, funding much-needed infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects. However, concerns about the equitable distribution of oil wealth persist, with Somalia’s clan-based political system raising questions about how resources will be shared among communities. “Transparent management of oil revenues is essential,” said a governance expert. “If not handled carefully, this wealth could exacerbate existing political divisions.”
“Somalia’s oil exploration has the potential to bring significant change, but it will require careful management of both domestic and foreign interests,” said an analyst with the International Crisis Group. “Somalia’s government must ensure that foreign partnerships are aligned with the country’s long-term goals.”
Environmental concerns are also at the forefront of the conversation. Oil extraction could disrupt Somalia’s coastal and agricultural communities, particularly through potential contamination of fishing waters and farmland. The government has promised to implement stringent environmental regulations to mitigate these risks. Turkey’s involvement in the project highlights the importance of international partnerships for Somalia’s oil exploration. In addition to providing technical expertise, Turkey has pledged to ensure the security of the exploration vessels, offering naval support to protect the operation from any external threats.
Somalia’s oil exploration to conclude by April 2025, signaling potential economic boom
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's oil exploration project, conducted by a Turkish-owned research vessel off the Somali coast, is set to conclude by April 2025, according to Abdulqadir Mohamed Aden, chairman of the Somali Petroleum Agency.
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