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Erdogan says Turkey has begun building a spaceport in Somalia as part of an ambitious push to expand independent access to outer space and deepen bilateral strategic cooperation. Speaking at the prestigious International Astronautical Congress held in Antalya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally confirmed that construction work for the space facility is officially underway. The landmark initiative highlights the strengthening ties between Ankara and Mogadishu, building upon years of close defense, economic, and institutional collaboration designed to foster mutual growth across both nations.
Addressing global science and space industry leaders, the Turkish leader emphasized that the project seeks to establish a historic foundation for space science cooperation alongside a friendly and brotherly nation. While specific structural details, timelines, and launch capacities remain undisclosed, the endeavor aligns with Turkey’s broader National Space Programme objectives. Analysts note that geographical advantages play a key role in site selection for orbital launches, and this collaborative project aims to significantly enhance technological capabilities while contributing to the expanding aerospace ecosystem across the African continent.
The announcement also serves to highlight Turkey’s rapid advancements in space technology, which recently included successful communication satellite launches and crewed space missions. President Erdogan reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful and collaborative space exploration, warning against the militarization of orbit while emphasizing that emerging space nations should share technological benefits. For Somalia, participating in a major aerospace initiative represents a transformative step forward in high-technology infrastructure development and international scientific engagement.
As engineering teams and bilateral committees advance the preliminary phases of the development, regional stakeholders and international observers continue to monitor the initiative’s broader implications. The spaceport project further cements the multifaceted partnership between Somalia and Turkey, illustrating how strategic alliances can extend far beyond traditional diplomatic and economic frameworks into advanced technological frontiers. Both governments remain committed to fostering innovation and supporting long-term capacity building through cooperative science and engineering ventures.