Somalia says historic oil drilling holds economic, geopolitical weight

Somalia’s first-ever offshore oil exploration campaign is a moment of historic importance that could transform the country’s economic future and alter regional energy dynamics, according to a senior Somali official. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, said in a statement Sunday that the drilling carries “both economic and geopolitical significance.” He added: “If successful, it could strengthen Somalia’s prospects for resource-led growth while also reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a trusted long-term partner in the country’s development.”

Turkish drill ship arrives for first offshore drilling

The remarks came as the Turkish drill ship Cagri Bey arrived in Somalia’s territorial waters to begin the first offshore drilling in the Horn of Africa nation, according to state media. The vessel departed from the southern port of Tasucu in Mersin, Türkiye, in February and is expected to begin drilling at the Curad-1 well this month. The Cagri Bey’s arrival follows a 2024 agreement between Türkiye and Somalia covering onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration. The Turkish seismic vessel Oruc Reis previously completed surveys in three offshore blocks.

Türkiye’s growing role in African energy

The drilling campaign underscores Türkiye’s expanding energy partnership with African nations, particularly in regions where Ankara has cultivated strong diplomatic and economic ties. For Türkiye, which relies heavily on imported energy, securing exploration rights in Somalia offers potential long-term supply diversification. The project also strengthens Türkiye’s presence in the strategically important Horn of Africa, a region that controls key shipping lanes near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. As global powers compete for African energy resources, Türkiye’s quiet but steady engagement in Somalia represents a model of bilateral cooperation that Ankara hopes to replicate elsewhere on the continent.