Somalia, 12 October 2025 — The Somali Petroleum Authority (SPA) has confirmed that the country’s oil exploration program has entered its final stage, with an official announcement regarding the first drilling site expected in December.
SPA Chairman Abdulqadir Adan Mahmoud made the announcement today through Somalia’s state media, SNTV, following a three-day meeting with Turkish counterparts, during which technical findings and drilling plans were reviewed.
“We are now at the final stage of exploration. The technical teams have completed their fieldwork, and the next step will determine the most suitable site for drilling,” Mahmoud said.
He added that consultations with Somali and international experts are ongoing to verify findings before finalizing the location. The announcement is scheduled in Ankara, Turkey, between 1st and 7th December this year.
Mahmoud praised the Federal Government of Somalia, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, for their support.
“We are close to confirming the exact location for drilling, and I ask the Somali people for patience. The government has worked tirelessly to reach this point,” he said.
Somalia’s oil sector has gained momentum after decades of instability. On 29 September 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the country would begin drilling “in the coming months.”
In October 2024, the Turkish vessel Oruç Reis conducted seismic surveys in offshore areas under Turkish exploration licences, as part of bilateral cooperation. Since 2022, Somalia has worked with international partners on surveys and technical assessments, leading to this first major drilling phase announcement.
In May, media reports revealed that the exploration conducted by Türkiye had discovered up to 20 billion barrels of commercially viable crude oil. Analysts believe that oil discovery is expected to be a game-changer for Somalia’s economic growth and development, provided it is managed effectively to avoid conflicts over resources.