Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s chief economic adviser has praised Türkiye as a leading investor, but its growing influence is sparking debate over who will shape the country’s long-term development goals.
“Somalia is an investment destination rather than a country that needs to be helped in terms of aid, and Türkiye has made investments in its infrastructure, airports, seaports, and many social sectors,” said Hassan Adam Hosow, also head of the National Economic Council, in an interview with Anadolu.
Hosow pointed to debt relief in 2023 that cut Somalia’s debt from 64% of GDP to 6%, giving the country fiscal space to pursue its Vision 2060 — a plan to transform Somalia into an upper-middle-income nation with $7,000 per capita income. He highlighted Türkiye’s “first mover advantage” through Ziraat Bank, offshore oil exploration, and infrastructure projects.
But as Ankara cements its role in banking, logistics, and natural resources, analysts question whether this aligns with Somalia’s Vision 2060 or primarily secures Türkiye’s own geopolitical and economic interests.
