Somalia signals new phase of offshore Oil and Gas exploration.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed strong confidence that oil and gas resources exist off the country’s coastline, as Somalia prepares to enter a new phase of offshore energy exploration.

Speaking to TRT Haber during his visit to Türkiye, President Mohamud said a drilling vessel is expected to arrive in February, marking a significant step toward Somalia’s first offshore drilling operations. However, he cautioned that the size and commercial viability of any potential reserves remain uncertain at this stage.

“We are confident there is oil and gas offshore, but the volume is not yet known,” the president said, underscoring the exploratory nature of the upcoming operations.

His remarks come as Türkiye begins deep-sea seismic surveys in Somali waters, becoming the first country to conduct such advanced offshore research along Somalia’s coastline. The surveys are aimed at mapping subsurface geological structures to assess the presence of hydrocarbons before drilling begins.

The initiative signals a deepening strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Ankara, building on years of cooperation in security, infrastructure, and development. Turkish officials say the surveys are part of broader technical and scientific assessments designed to support Somalia’s long-term economic recovery.

Somalia’s offshore basin has long been considered underexplored due to decades of conflict and instability. Government officials view the current exploration phase as a potential turning point that could attract further international investment if commercially viable reserves are confirmed.

President Mohamud emphasized that any future energy development would be pursued transparently and in line with international standards, with the goal of ensuring that Somalia’s natural resources contribute to national development and shared prosperity.

Mustaqbal