Tuesday 11, March-2025 {HMC} Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, announced that the majority of oil exploration conducted by the Turkish company in Somalia has been completed, and Somalia could announce its first oil production by the end of this year or early 2026.
In an interview with VOA, Minister Mohamed explained that oil exploration is currently underway in the Mareeg and Harardheere areas, and will extend to the coast of Hobyo District in Southern Mudug. He confirmed that the Turkish exploration ship operating in Somali waters will complete its exploration activities by April.
When asked about the potential impact of Somalia’s oil production on climate change and security, the minister revealed that experts are working on these issues, and the ministry is prepared to engage with them.
An oil drilling ship currently stationed in the Black Sea is awaiting the completion of the exploration before it heads to Somalia to begin drilling activities.
Minister Mohamed also acknowledged the challenges faced in oil exploration, particularly the illegal ships operating in Somali waters. He explained that these ships’ nets sometimes interfere with the exploration equipment, presenting additional hurdles to the process.
Turkey began its oil exploration efforts in Somalia in October 2024 using the research vessel Oruc Reis. The exploration is part of a cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia that was signed in March 2024.
