Thursday February 27, 2025
Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation at the Ministry of Energy in Baku, Azerbaijan, on February 27, 2025.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Azerbaijan and Somalia have taken a major ste p in strengthening their energy collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on oil, gas, and renewable energy development.
The agreement, signed in Baku by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, and Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, investment opportunities, and infrastructure development in Somalia’s growing energy sector.
Under the agreement, Somalia will gain access to Azerbaijan’s expertise in oil and gas exploration and transportation, benefiting from its established infrastructure and global market reach. The deal also includes joint forums, technical workshops, and training programs to help Somalia build capacity and attract foreign investors.
In addition to fossil fuel exploration, the two nations signed a separate MoU on Green Energy Development, focusing on expanding renewable energy projects and technology transfer.
“This partnership is an opportunity for Somalia to accelerate its energy development while learning from Azerbaijan’s successful strategies,” Minister Mohamed stated. “We look forward to a long-term relationship that supports our economic growth.”
The agreement comes amid Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its energy infrastructure after decades of underdevelopment. As the nation looks to tap into its untapped hydrocarbon reserves, partnerships with established energy producers like Azerbaijan could boost foreign investment and technological advancements.
Azerbaijan, a major oil and gas exporter, has also been expanding its global partnerships and sees Somalia as a promising partner in energy cooperation. Minister Shahbazov emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to supporting emerging energy markets, stating that this agreement will pave the way for future collaborations.
As part of the agreement, Somalia and Azerbaijan will organize joint industry events and policy discussions to explore further opportunities for cooperation. The MoU hopes to serve as a foundation for long-term bilateral relations, enhancing both nations’ positions in the global energy market.
Officials from Somalia and Azerbaijan hold high-level discussions on bilateral energy cooperation in Baku, Azerbaijan, on February 27, 2025. The meeting, attended by Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, focused on strengthening ties in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. The discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering investment and knowledge exchange. (Photo: Courtesy of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy)
