By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's government said it will soon begin drilling an oil exploration well known as Holhol in the Hudun district, Sool region, marking another step in the country's efforts to develop its petroleum sector.
Speaking to Dawan Media Mohamed Hashi Arabey, Director General at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, said the Holhol concession was awarded in 2024 to Golfsom, a joint venture between Somali and Qatari investors.
"The Holhol oil well concession was granted to Golfsom in 2024, and preparations are underway to begin drilling in the near future," Arabey said.
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Holhol is among several oil prospects that were initially surveyed during previous Somali administrations and is now being revived as part of the government's renewed exploration programme.
If drilling proceeds as planned, Holhol will become Somalia's second active oil drilling project after Curad-1, the country's first offshore exploration well, located off the coast of Galmudug between the coastal towns of Mareeg and Harardheere.
The federal government said the project forms part of a broader strategy to unlock Somalia's hydrocarbon resources and attract investment into the country's energy sector.