The strategic convergence of Ankara and Mogadishu is coming to the forefront of the international chessboard, as Turkey redefines its geopolitical and energy footprint on the African continent. This time, the focus of interest is shifting to Somalia’s rich and untapped uranium deposits, a development that adds new momentum to their bilateral alliance.
Somalia’s Call for Investment
The Somali government, seeking to upgrade its economy through the exploitation of its natural wealth, has officially turned to Turkey, requesting assistance in the discovery and extraction of critical minerals. According to information from the Liberal Globe, this move marks the passage of their partnership to a deeper level, going beyond traditional cooperation in the fields of defense and security. Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shaire Mohamed, made clear his country’s intention to develop these reserves in a “peaceful, reasonable and friendly manner,” effectively inviting Turkish capital into its mining sector.
The X-ray of Mineral Wealth
Somalia does not simply possess conventional resources, but critical raw materials of high strategic value. In particular, data from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency record approximately 10,200 tons of uranium reserves, with 7,600 tons considered immediately commercially exploitable. The country’s subsoil also hides deposits of lithium, copper, gold, titanium and rare earths, making the region a field of intense global competition.
Ankara’s Broader African Strategy
Turkey’s foray into Africa follows a well-orchestrated plan that extends beyond the Horn of Africa. Ankara recently ratified a mining cooperation agreement with Nigeria, focusing on the exchange of know-how and the development of advanced mining technologies. Turkey’s aim is to secure access to strategic metals at a time when global demand for nuclear and technological raw materials is peaking.
Expanding from Hydrocarbons to Metals
This new partnership is built on solid foundations. Turkey already has a strong presence in Somalia, funding infrastructure, education programs and trade structures, while in the energy sector, the Turkish drilling rig “Cagri Bey” is already active for offshore oil exploration. In this context, the two countries plan to activate a 2016 memorandum of cooperation, which provides for geological mapping, technical training and targeted investments in the mining sector.
