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Somalia is preparing to drill its first oil block in the coming months, a move that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says will open a new chapter in the country’s economic development. Speaking at the opening of the 7th session of Parliament, Mohamud explained that the drilling follows seismic surveys conducted in October 2024 by the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis, which was exploring areas where Türkiye holds offshore licenses.
The president said this milestone builds on Somalia’s growing partnership with Türkiye, which has expanded beyond security and humanitarian aid into energy and infrastructure. Earlier this year, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation signed an agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to explore three onshore oil blocks, covering nearly 16,000 square kilometers. The deal was signed in Ankara between Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed. Mohamud described the initiative as a vital step toward turning Somalia’s natural resources into economic opportunities that can benefit citizens across the country.
Alongside energy development, Mohamud announced an ambitious plan to establish Africa’s first satellite launch station with Turkish support. He said this project will form part of a larger effort to modernize infrastructure, which also includes new roads, airports, and seaports. According to him, the goal is to position Somalia not only as a regional trade hub but also as a player in technology and innovation.
The president also touched on national progress in other areas. He highlighted improvements in financial management and security, noting that the federal government now pays the salaries of roughly 100,000 soldiers, civil servants, and teachers entirely through its own revenue sources. This shift, he said, has been made possible through tax reforms and new laws passed by Parliament that paved the way for international debt relief. In addition, Somalia has made headway on constitutional reforms that had been stalled for years.
Mohamud emphasized that the government’s focus is not just on extracting resources but on ensuring that wealth is used responsibly to bring stability and social progress. He pledged to continue engaging with political stakeholders and citizens to maintain unity and momentum in state-building.
“Our commitment is to use the wealth God has blessed Somalia with to drive growth and stability,” Mohamud told lawmakers. He said that developing the oil sector and modern infrastructure will mark a turning point for Somalia, helping it emerge from decades of instability and move toward lasting prosperity.