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Somalia has announced plans to begin its first offshore oil drilling operations, marking a significant step in its energy ambitions.

According to the BBC, a Turkish government-owned drilling ship is expected to arrive off the country’s coast on Friday. The move follows seismic surveys carried out last year by a Turkish research vessel, as part of ongoing exploration efforts.

The Historic Milestone Could Change Things

In a post on X, Somalia’s Petroleum Minister, Dahir Shire, described the development as a “historic milestone in our offshore energy journey,” adding that it signals the start of a new chapter for the country.

Estimates suggest Somalia could hold billions of barrels of oil reserves. However, decades of political instability have long stalled exploration efforts.

Speaking on Monday, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ali Omar, said the drilling campaign would strengthen Turkey’s position as a “trusted long-term partner” in the country’s development.

Ahead of a planned visit to Somalia, Turkey’s Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said on Saturday that any discovery of oil or gas would deliver significant economic benefits for Somalia, East Africa and Turkey.

Long Awaited Progress

Turkey has steadily deepened its relationship with Somalia over the past decade, investing across sectors and expanding its military footprint. It operates a major military base in the country, established in 2017.

Shire added that the development reflects Somalia’s readiness to move into exploratory drilling, starting with its most promising offshore prospects.

The two countries formalised their energy cooperation in 2024 through a production-sharing agreement, with a Turkish drilling ship already positioned in the Arabian Sea as part of the deal.