RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Abdiwahab Abdi Omar (Ananuug), has represented the nation at the high-level Arab League Mining Ministers meeting held in Riyadh. Speaking to the National Media, the Deputy Minister detailed his participation in the prestigious Future Minerals Forum (FMF 2026), where he positioned Somalia as a prime destination for emerging opportunities in the extractive industries.
Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the forum served as a critical platform for discussing the future of mineral development, addressing the escalating global demand for resources, and establishing frameworks for transparent and sustainable investment. The gathering brought together decision-makers to strategize on how the region can leverage its natural wealth to drive economic diversification and meet the material needs of the future.
During the summit, Deputy Minister Abdiwahab held a series of sideline meetings with fellow ministers, industry experts, and international stakeholders. In these engagements, he articulated the transformative role that the mining sector can play in catalyzing economic growth and creating employment opportunities for the Somali workforce. He presented a comprehensive overview of Somalia’s untapped mineral assets, highlighting the country’s strategic geographical position as a gateway for global trade.
The participation in FMF 2026 aligns with the Ministry of Petroleum’s strategic directive to attract high-quality international investment. The Federal Government is focused on developing a resource management model that ensures the sustainable exploitation of natural assets while strictly serving the long-term interests of the nation. This diplomatic push in the mining sector complements the recent successes achieved by the Federal Government in its hydrocarbon exploration program. With tangible progress reported in oil drilling preparations, Somalia is signaling to the global market that it is ready for serious engagement, offering a stable environment where international investors can partner with the nation to unlock its vast natural resources.
