Somalia has announced that a Turkish government-owned drilling ship will arrive off its coast on Friday to start deep-water exploration in the Arabian Sea.
Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire described the development as a “historic milestone” and said it marks the nation’s shift from exploration to active drilling.
The campaign could help Somalia become a regional energy player if commercially viable reserves emerge. 
Somali Foreign Minister Ali Omar said the drilling campaign strengthens Turkey’s position as a “trusted long-term partner”, while Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said any discovery will bring significant economic gains for both countries and the region.
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The Turkish Petroleum Corporation will conduct the drilling with its vessel, Çağrı Bey, which is on its first international mission. This emphasises Turkey’s expanding role in Somalia’s energy sector.
In 2024, the two countries signed a production-sharing agreement that covers offshore exploration and development.
Estimates indicate that Somalia has significant unexplored oil reserves, but political unrest and insecurity have prevented exploration for decades.
The offshore push reflects growing ties between Somalia and Turkey, as Turkey has steadily expanded its military and economic presence in the Horn of Africa over the past ten years.
Officials now anticipate that increased stability and international alliances will help convert resource potential into economic growth.
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