Somalia to Announce First Oil Drilling Site in December — Energy Partnership with Türkiye Reaches Final Stage

Somalia is edging closer to a historic milestone in its oil exploration journey, as the Somali Petroleum Authority (SPA) confirmed that the country’s first drilling site will be officially announced in December.

SPA Chairman Abdulqadir Adan Mahmoud revealed the update through Somalia’s national broadcaster, SNTV, following a three-day technical meeting with Turkish counterparts in Ankara.

“We are now at the final stage of exploration. The technical teams have completed their fieldwork, and the next step will determine the most suitable site for drilling,” Mahmoud stated.

The announcement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Ankara between December 1st and 7th, marking a new chapter in Somalia’s energy development. Mahmoud emphasized that consultations with Somali and international experts are ongoing to verify the findings before final approval.

He also commended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre for their continued support, urging Somalis to remain patient as the nation nears this transformative achievement.

“We are close to confirming the exact location for drilling, and I ask the Somali people for patience. The government has worked tirelessly to reach this point,” he said.

Somalia’s oil sector has seen a surge of activity after decades of instability. On 29 September 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the country would begin drilling “in the coming months.”

The progress follows major cooperation with Türkiye, whose exploration vessel Oruç Reis conducted seismic surveys in offshore areas in October 2024. Since 2022, joint efforts between Somalia and international partners have led to advanced technical studies and promising data.

In May 2025, media reports suggested that Turkish exploration had identified up to 20 billion barrels of commercially viable crude oil — a potential game-changer for Somalia’s economy if managed responsibly.

Energy analysts say the discovery could position Somalia as one of East Africa’s emerging oil producers, with the Ankara announcement expected to set the stage for a new era of investment, growth, and strategic partnerships.