Somaliland Seeks Partners for Oil and Gas Exploration

By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter

Somalia, 15 December 2025 — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has said the region expects oil and mineral exploration to officially begin by 2027.

Speaking at the opening of the Somaliland Mining and Natural Resources Exhibition, President Irro said Somaliland possesses significant natural resources and that the government is committed to developing them in a regulated and transparent manner that serves the public interest.

“I am pleased to announce to the people of Somaliland that oil exploration will begin in the country by the end of 2027,” President Irro said.

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He noted that Somaliland currently has no active oil exploration agreements with companies but is actively seeking partners to enter the sector. In this context, he referred to a visit by Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Engineer Ahmed Jama Barre, to the United Arab Emirates in July, during which he presented oil and mineral investment opportunities to officials and companies.

A statement issued by the ministry following the visit said several companies expressed readiness to make direct investments in Somaliland, while others showed interest in acquiring oil exploration blocks, either independently or through partnerships with other firms.

Observers say President Irro’s remarks signal Somaliland’s readiness to play a more active role in regional energy policy by leveraging its natural resources.

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