Somalia, Türkiye Sign Deal to Develop Blue Economy

Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, signed an implementation agreement in Ankara with Türkiye’s industrial group OYAK to develop Somalia’s marine resources.

The partnership aims to protect and sustainably exploit Somalia’s extensive coastline while modernizing fisheries and blue economy infrastructure.

Ankara Signing and Institutional Backing

The agreement was signed at OYAK headquarters in Ankara and was witnessed by senior Somali and Turkish officials, including Somalia’s minister of ports and maritime transport.

Representatives from Türkiye’s ministries of defense, agriculture and forestry, and foreign affairs attended the ceremony, underlining the strategic weight Ankara assigns to the partnership. Somali officials said the deal formalizes earlier understandings and moves cooperation into an implementation phase.

Focus on Fisheries and Marine Production

Under the agreement, Türkiye will support direct investment in Somalia’s blue economy infrastructure, with an emphasis on modernizing fish production and meeting international export standards.

Plans include establishing domestic fish processing industries and integrating Somali seafood products into global supply chains. Capacity-building for Somali fishermen and technical personnel is a core pillar of the partnership.

Jobs, Youth, and Coastal Communities

Somali authorities said the project is expected to create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people and communities along the coast.

By formalizing production and processing, the government aims to shift livelihoods away from informal and vulnerable economic activity. Officials framed the agreement as both an economic and social stabilization tool.

Maritime Security and Illegal Fishing

Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a central component of the deal. Somali officials said protecting marine resources is critical for sovereignty and long-term sustainability.

Maritime security cooperation is expected to reinforce Somalia’s control over its waters while improving investor confidence.