Tuesday June 17, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue
Economy signed a strategic agreement on Monday with Türkiye’s OYAK Group to
advance the development of the country’s fisheries sector and accelerate the
growth of Somalia’s blue economy.

The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Minister of
Fisheries Ahmed Hassan Aden and Mr. Sermaye Yatırımları Anonim Şirketi,
representing Türkiye’s OYAK Group.

The partnership focuses on several key areas: direct
investment in fisheries infrastructure, enhancing fish production and quality
to meet international export standards, establishing fish processing industries
to boost exports, creating employment opportunities for Somali youth, and
strengthening efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU)
fishing.

Officials say the agreement is expected to play a pivotal
role in increasing government revenue from Somalia’s vast marine resources
while expanding job opportunities for young people across the country.

The Ministry of Fisheries reiterated its strong commitment
to developing the sector through close collaboration with international
companies and investment institutions. It emphasized that sustainable
development of Somalia’s blue economy is central to achieving long-term
economic progress and national prosperity.

The agreement comes just days after the Oruc Reis, a seismic
exploration vessel built by Turkish engineers, completed its first
intercontinental mission, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural
Resources.

Since October 25, 2024, the Oruc Reis operated in Somalia’s
offshore waters, conducting a 3D seismic survey across three offshore blocks
covering a total area of 4,464 square kilometers. The data collected will be
analyzed in Ankara to determine potential oil and natural gas drilling sites,
raising hopes for unlocking Somalia’s untapped energy reserves.