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Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has taken a major step toward developing its vast marine resources after the Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, finalized a new cooperation agreement with Turkey’s industrial group OYAK. The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Ankara and is expected to play a key role in strengthening Somalia’s fisheries sector and broader blue economy.
The partnership, known as the Cooperation and Marine Production Development Partnership, is designed to protect Somalia’s marine environment while also unlocking the economic potential of the country’s long coastline and rich fishing waters. For decades, Somalia’s fisheries sector has remained largely underdeveloped despite its enormous potential. Officials say this agreement is meant to change that by attracting direct investment and modern expertise into the sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan said the deal focuses on sustainable development and long-term growth. He explained that the partnership will support the construction and improvement of blue economy infrastructure, including modern systems for fishing, storage, and processing. According to the minister, the goal is not only to increase fish production but also to ensure that Somali seafood meets international quality and safety standards.
A major part of the agreement involves establishing fish processing industries inside Somalia. Currently, much of the country’s fish is sold fresh or wasted due to lack of storage and processing facilities. By building local processing plants, Somalia hopes to add value to its marine products, reduce losses, and increase export earnings. This would also help Somali fish compete in regional and global markets.
The agreement also places strong emphasis on building the skills and capacity of Somali fishermen. Plans include technical training, access to better equipment, and the introduction of modern fishing methods. Officials believe this will improve productivity while also protecting fish stocks from overexploitation. Sustainable fishing practices are expected to ensure that marine resources remain available for future generations.
Maritime security is another key pillar of the partnership. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has long been a challenge for Somalia, costing the country millions of dollars each year. The agreement includes measures to strengthen monitoring and enforcement in Somali waters, helping to protect national resources from illegal activities. Improved maritime security is also expected to encourage further foreign investment in the sector.
Job creation is a central objective of the deal. The partnership is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities, particularly for young people and communities living along the coast. From fishing and processing to transport and export services, officials say the expanded fisheries value chain will open up new livelihoods and reduce unemployment in vulnerable areas.
The signing ceremony was attended by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries, Abdi Dirshe. Their presence highlighted the government’s commitment to coordinating efforts across institutions to ensure the success of the project.
Minister Ahmed praised the Turkish government and OYAK for their continued support and confidence in Somalia. He said the agreement reflects growing international trust in the country’s improving security situation and investment environment. According to the minister, such partnerships send a positive message to other potential investors interested in Somalia’s recovery and development.
Officials from Turkey’s Ministries of Defense, Agriculture and Forestry, and Foreign Affairs, as well as senior executives from OYAK, also attended the event. They described the agreement as strategically important and said it strengthens the long-standing relationship between Turkey and Somalia. Turkish representatives noted that the project aligns with shared goals of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable use of natural resources.
Overall, the agreement is being viewed as a turning point for Somalia’s blue economy. If successfully implemented, it could transform the fisheries sector into a reliable source of income, jobs, and exports, while also protecting the country’s marine environment. Somali officials say the partnership marks a hopeful step toward turning the nation’s natural wealth into real benefits for its people.