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Somalia and Türkiye have agreed to move forward with new infrastructure projects at the Port of Mogadishu in a move aimed at boosting trade, increasing government revenue and improving efficiency at the country’s most important maritime gateway. Officials said the agreement reflects a renewed phase of cooperation focused on ports, maritime services and broader economic development, at a time when Somalia is prioritizing practical investments that can deliver visible economic gains.
The understanding was reached during a visit to Mogadishu by a senior Turkish delegation led by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar. The visit underscored Ankara’s continued engagement with Somalia and its interest in expanding long-standing partnerships in infrastructure and logistics. Talks centered on how to modernize port facilities, expand maritime services and strengthen cooperation in related areas such as trade, energy and security.
Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, hosted Ünüvar and his delegation, describing Türkiye as a strategic and reliable partner. He said Somalia is focused on high-impact projects that can quickly improve port operations while supporting long-term economic growth. According to the minister, the Port of Mogadishu plays a critical role in national revenue collection and in facilitating the flow of essential imports, making its development a top government priority.
Nur emphasized that improving efficiency at the port would not only lower costs for businesses but also strengthen the government’s ability to collect revenue and reinvest it into public services. He noted that as Somalia’s main maritime entry point, the port is central to the country’s economic recovery and its efforts to build more resilient state institutions.
Ünüvar welcomed the discussions and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Somalia through infrastructure development and technical cooperation. He said accelerating joint agreements and translating them into concrete projects would help expand trade volumes and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. He added that Türkiye sees Somalia as an important partner in the region and remains ready to share expertise and support development goals.
After the formal talks, Ünüvar, accompanied by Türkiye’s ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, and senior executives from the Albayrak Group, the Turkish company that manages the port, conducted a technical inspection of the facility. The delegation toured key operational areas, including container terminals and cargo handling zones, to assess recent improvements and identify areas that could benefit from further expansion or upgrades.
Officials said the inspection provided an opportunity to review progress made so far and to align future investments with Somalia’s growing trade needs. The visit also highlighted the role of private-sector involvement in improving efficiency and operational standards at the port, alongside government oversight and strategic planning.
Somali officials noted that Turkish involvement has played a significant role in transforming the Port of Mogadishu into a more modern and dependable hub compared to its condition in earlier years. They said continued investment and technical support would be essential as trade volumes increase and as Somalia seeks to position itself more competitively in regional and international markets.
Türkiye has been a key partner in Somalia’s post-conflict reconstruction for more than a decade, with investments and assistance covering sectors such as ports, airports, health care, education and security. The Port of Mogadishu remains a cornerstone of this relationship, serving not only as a vital economic asset but also as a symbol of sustained cooperation between the two countries. Officials on both sides said the latest agreement signals a shared commitment to deepening that partnership and using infrastructure development as a driver of economic stability and growth in Somalia.