Somalia is preparing to commence its first oil drilling operations in the coming months, a move President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described as a major step towards national development. Addressing lawmakers at the opening of the 7th Session of the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu on Monday, September 29, President Mohamud highlighted the country’s ambitions to leverage its vast oil reserves to drive growth through large-scale infrastructure projects. Including roads, airports, ports, and Africa’s first satellite launch station.
He also underscored improvements in national security and financial stability, noting that the government now pays 100,000 public sector workers entirely from domestic resources.
The initiative follows a series of strategic collaborations with Türkiye, including seismic surveys conducted by the Turkish vessel Oruç Reis in late 2024 and the signing of an onshore hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement in April 2025.
The deal grants Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights to explore three land blocks covering 16,000 square kilometres. In addition to oil exploration, Türkiye is supporting Somalia’s space ambitions through the construction of a satellite launch station, signalling Mogadishu’s intent to position itself as a technological and economic innovator on the continent.