Somalia and Turkey have signed a new milestone strategic agreement aimed at transforming Somalia’s fisheries sector and unlocking the country’s vast blue economy potential, officials announced on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Federal Government of Somalia and OYAK, one of Turkey’s largest state-linked investment groups. The deal deepens the long-standing economic partnership between the two countries and marks one of the most ambitious fisheries-focused collaborations Somalia has entered into in recent years.
The multi-point partnership focuses on four key areas:
- Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Somali waters
- Upgrading port facilities and fish processing infrastructure
- Expanding sustainable fish exports to international markets
- Creating thousands of new jobs for Somali youth
According to projections shared by Somali officials, once the required infrastructure is fully developed by 2028, the partnership could generate up to $4.5 billion annually in revenue from fish and fish-related products—a significant boost for a country seeking to diversify its economy beyond aid and remittances.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy described the agreement as a strategic step toward restoring Somalia’s maritime sovereignty and turning its 3,300-kilometer coastline—the longest in mainland Africa—into a driver of inclusive economic growth. Turkish officials, meanwhile, emphasized OYAK’s technical capacity and experience in large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.
Turkey has been one of Somalia’s most influential international partners since 2011, expanding its role well beyond diplomacy. Since 2014, Turkish companies and institutions have secured several major agreements, including the management of Mogadishu Seaport and Aden Adde International Airport.
In addition to commercial investments, Turkish government agencies and non-governmental institutions have played a visible role in humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, making Turkey one of Somalia’s most comprehensive development partners.