Türkiye has signed a sweeping agreement with Somalia to revitalize the country’s fishing sector and maritime economy, in a move that strengthens Ankara’s economic and strategic footprint across Africa’s coastal zones.

Strategic Deal to Reshape Somali Maritime Sector

The agreement, signed with Turkish firm OYAK, aims to modernize Somalia’s underutilized marine wealth through a blue economy framework. This includes upgrading port infrastructure, introducing advanced fishing technologies, and training local workers to enhance export readiness and food security.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries, this marks a “new era” in managing marine resources—one that supports economic development while combating illegal fishing.

Economic and Environmental Pillars

The deal includes constructing seafood processing and packaging plants, boosting Somalia’s industrial base, creating thousands of jobs, and ensuring high-value exports. Türkiye will also help establish tracking systems to enforce sustainable fishing practices and preserve marine ecosystems.

The agreement highlights Somalia’s ambitions to become a regional seafood hub and aligns with Türkiye’s “Blue Economy 2053” vision, which leverages its 8,600 km of coastline and growing maritime industries.

Part of a Broader Turkish Strategy

Political analyst Murat Toral noted that Türkiye’s engagement in African maritime infrastructure reflects a wider geopolitical strategy: “This is not just about fisheries—it’s about securing Türkiye’s role in Red Sea and Indian Ocean security equations.”

Since 2018, Turkish shipyards have delivered dozens of specialized fishing vessels, including exports to Mauritania, a country also targeted for deeper cooperation.

Economist Umar Akkoç added that Turkish firms stand to gain both in the short term through technical services and equipment, and in the long term by turning African coastal countries into key nodes in global seafood supply chains.