Somalia is stepping into the spotlight as one of Africa’s most promising destinations for oil and gas exploration, with new reforms and landmark agreements positioning the nation as a future energy hub. After decades of halted exploration, the Federal Government has reignited efforts to attract global investment, signaling a new era for Somalia’s petroleum industry.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has been at the forefront of this transformation, rolling out investor-friendly reforms and modernizing regulations to meet international standards. The Somali Petroleum Authority has revised its Production Sharing Contract model and Tender Protocol to boost transparency and competitiveness—creating a stronger foundation for long-term investment.
Momentum is already building. In March 2024, Somalia signed a historic deal with Turkey, granting exploration rights for three offshore blocks. Turkey’s state-owned TPAO has since deployed the seismic vessel Oruç Reis to survey over 5,000 km², with joint onshore exploration also underway. U.S.-based Liberty Petroleum has acquired exploration rights for three deepwater blocks, while Coastline Exploration continues its work on seven blocks secured in 2022. These agreements build on earlier seismic surveys that suggested reserves of up to 30 billion barrels of crude across 15 offshore blocks.
Somalia’s growing energy profile will be on full display at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town next month, where Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed and Somali Petroleum Authority CEO Abdulkadir Aden Mohamud will lead a high-level delegation. The event is expected to strengthen partnerships, attract new investment, and showcase Somalia as a serious player in Africa’s energy future.
Industry leaders are taking note. “As one of Africa’s final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, Somalia offers significant opportunities for exploration and production companies,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Recent agreements signal a renewed push by international stakeholders to unlock the potential of Somalia’s oil and gas market.”
For Somalia, this renewed energy drive is more than just business—it is a pathway to transformation. With responsible management and sustainable partnerships, revenues from oil and gas can fuel infrastructure growth, create jobs, and strengthen public services. For a country that has long faced economic and political challenges, the prospect of becoming a key energy player brings optimism for stability, prosperity, and regional influence.
