Somalia–Türkiye Fisheries Agreement: A Strategic Partnership for Economic Growth and Maritime Security

Somalia–Türkiye Fisheries Agreement: A Strategic Partnership for Economic Growth and Maritime Security

Somalia has taken a significant step toward strengthening its blue economy following the signing of a Strategic Cooperation and Service Agreement with Türkiye in the fisheries sector. The agreement, signed between Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and Türkiye’s leading institution OYAK, marks a new phase in bilateral economic cooperation.

According to Somali Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy Ahmed Hassan Aden, the agreement will contribute directly to Somalia’s economic development while establishing an institutionalized framework for long-term cooperation between the two countries. As part of the deal, a joint company named SOMTURK has been established to manage fisheries-related licensing and cooperation.

Enhancing Maritime Security and Resource Protection

Beyond economic gains, the agreement places strong emphasis on protecting Somalia’s marine resources. It aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Indian Ocean, particularly along the Somali coast.

The partnership with Türkiye is expected to strengthen Somalia’s maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities, helping the country safeguard its territorial waters, maritime jurisdiction, and economic rights. This represents a critical step toward sustainable management of Somalia’s vast marine resources.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

Minister Aden highlighted that SOMTURK will regulate licensing processes for fisheries activities, while final regulatory authority will remain with the Somali government. This model is designed to enhance institutional capacity domestically and facilitate international cooperation.

The agreement is expected to generate significant economic benefits through revenue-sharing mechanisms, job creation, and infrastructure development. Investments in ports, cold storage facilities, fish processing plants, and industrial infrastructure will create employment opportunities for Somalis, particularly young people, while supporting vocational training and foreign trade expansion.

Unlocking Somalia’s Fisheries Potential

Somalia possesses one of the longest coastlines in Africa, with enormous fisheries potential that remains underutilized. Granting access to Turkish fishing fleets and expertise will enable Somalia to harness this potential more effectively while ensuring that benefits are shared equitably.

The agreement also strengthens the strategic dimension of Somalia–Türkiye relations, building on years of growing cooperation across multiple sectors.

Signed on December 17, the Somalia–Türkiye fisheries agreement represents a win-win partnership that combines economic development, maritime security, and sustainable resource management. By leveraging international cooperation and local oversight, Somalia is positioning its fisheries sector as a key pillar of national growth and prosperity.