
OPINION: Somalia Must Stay Neutral in UAE’s War Against Sudan
May 7, 2025
Sudan Accuses Puntland of Serving as RSF Hub, Demands Somali Government Action
May 10, 2025According to Turkish news site TR Haber, Türkiye has made significant progress in its energy exploration efforts in Africa, discovering natural gas reserves in three wells drilled off the coast of Somalia.
Exploration Under Hydrocarbon Agreement with Somalia
Last year, Turkey and Somalia signed a hydrocarbon cooperation agreement allowing Turkey to conduct oil and natural gas exploration activities in Somali territorial waters. Under this framework, Turkish drilling operations have been ongoing in the region.
Sources close to the project revealed that preliminary assessments have been completed for two of the three test wells, confirming commercially viable natural gas reserves in both. The third well remains under evaluation, with exploration activities continuing.
All exploration operations are expected to be completed by August 2025, after which samples from the wells will be shipped to Turkey for further analysis.
Turkey’s discovery is seen as a milestone in its energy diplomacy in Africa, potentially strengthening ties with Somalia while advancing Ankara’s ambitions for a diversified energy portfolio.
Strategic Implications
Energy analysts note that the discovery could boost Turkey’s role in regional energy markets, while also contributing to Somalia’s economic development. Further steps, including feasibility studies and infrastructure planning, are anticipated following the final analysis of the samples.
The findings highlight Turkey’s growing footprint in African energy exploration, aligning with its long-term foreign policy and economic objectives on the continent.
