Somalia Launches First Offshore Oil Drilling Campaign with Turkish Support

Somalia has begun its first offshore oil drilling campaign with the Turkish drill ship Cagri Bey set to start at the Curad-1 well. Officials say the project could boost Somalia’s economy, attract investment, and strengthen Türkiye’s role as a development partner, following 2024 agreements covering onshore and offshore oil exploration.

Somalia has embarked on its first-ever offshore oil drilling campaign, an initiative that officials say carries both significant economic potential and important geopolitical implications for the Horn of Africa nation. According to Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, the campaign, if successful, could provide a major boost to the country’s economy while reinforcing Türkiye’s position as a trusted development partner in Somalia. He described the project as a historic moment capable of reshaping Somalia’s economic landscape and influencing energy dynamics across the region.
The campaign comes as the Turkish drill ship Cagri Bey arrived in Somali territorial waters to begin offshore drilling operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of energy resources. The vessel had departed from the southern port of Tasucu in Mersin, Türkiye, in February and is now positioned to commence drilling at the Curad-1 well later this month. Somali officials expressed optimism that the drilling campaign could attract further investment and spur resource-led growth, which is seen as critical for the nation’s economic recovery and long-term development.
This project follows a 2024 agreement between Somalia and Türkiye that covers both onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration. The deal included provisions for technical cooperation, resource management, and revenue-sharing frameworks, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two countries. Prior to the arrival of the Cagri Bey, the Turkish seismic vessel Oruc Reis conducted detailed surveys in three offshore blocks, providing critical geological data that now informs the drilling operations.
Analysts say the drilling campaign is likely to have broader regional significance. Somalia’s energy sector has long been underexplored, and the potential discovery of commercially viable offshore oil reserves could position the country as a key player in East Africa’s emerging energy market. Türkiye’s involvement not only provides technical expertise but also strengthens bilateral ties, showcasing how energy projects can intersect with diplomatic and economic strategies in the region.
While Somalia faces longstanding challenges, including political instability and security concerns, officials are hopeful that successful offshore drilling could catalyze economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to energy security. The government has emphasized that strict regulatory oversight and environmental safeguards will guide operations, aiming to balance economic ambitions with sustainability.
The arrival of the Cagri Bey and the start of drilling mark the beginning of what could be a transformative chapter in Somalia’s development. Beyond the immediate economic prospects, the project signals Somalia’s intention to harness its natural resources strategically, attract international investment, and solidify partnerships with regional and global actors in the energy sector.