Somalia and Turkey Forge Key Fisheries Partnership, Amid Somali Business Exodus,

Ankara (Sahan Post) – The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Somalia, Ahmed Hassan Aden, has signed a landmark agreement with OYAK, a leading Turkish company, to advance cooperation in the fisheries sector. The agreement aims to enhance Somalia’s maritime resources and development.

The deal is expected to lead to significant direct investment in Somalia’s blue economy infrastructure, improve fish production to access international markets, establish domestic fisheries industries, and develop the skills of Somali fishermen.

The signing ceremony, which took place at OYAK’s headquarters in Ankara, was attended by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur, and the Director-General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Abdi Dirse.

From the Turkish side, officials from the Ministries of Defense, Agriculture and Forestry, Foreign Affairs, and senior leadership from OYAK participated in the event.

Capitalizin Somalia´s Economy

This partnership comes at a time when Turkish companies are increasingly capitalizing on the vast economic and developmental opportunities in Somalia. Key national assets, including the Mogadishu airport and seaport, are largely controlled by Turkish private companies, which operate under their own business models without direct government oversight. There are concerns regarding the lack of accountability and transparency in how these entities manage their operations, the financial returns generated, and the reinvestment in the country.

In contrast, thousands of Somali businessmen have fled the country, relocating their investments to neighboring countries and foreign states due to ongoing security concerns in Somalia.

Despite these challenges, Somalia is strategically positioned with the longest coastline in Africa, believed to hold untapped resources that remain largely unexplored. Meanwhile, the majority of the Somali population continues to live in poverty and insecurity.

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