Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (SONNA) – A high-level delegation led by the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Dahir Shire Mohamed, participated in the 11th East African Economic Cooperation (EAEC) Petroleum Expo held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference, themed “Unlocking the Future of Oil and Gas Investment,” brought together regional leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss the development of oil resources and energy cooperation in East Africa.
The Somali delegation included the Director General of the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals, Mr. Mohamed Haashi Arrabeey, and the Somali Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Economic Cooperation (EAC), Mr. Ilyas Ali Hassan. The conference provided a platform for Somalia to showcase its vast energy potential and explore opportunities for regional collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
During his address, Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed highlighted Somalia’s significant opportunities in oil and mineral resources, emphasizing the need for international investment and cooperation to unlock the country’s energy potential. He also outlined the challenges facing the sector and called for stronger partnerships to drive sustainable development.
“Somalia is endowed with abundant energy resources, including oil and minerals, which present immense opportunities for investment and development. However, realizing this potential requires international cooperation, expertise, and investment. We are committed to working with regional and global partners to harness these resources for the benefit of our people and the region,” Minister Dahir stated.
The conference focused on fostering stronger ties among EAEC member states in the oil and gas sector, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint investment initiatives. Participants discussed strategies to enhance energy security, promote sustainable development, and create a conducive environment for investment in the region’s energy sector.
Somalia’s participation in the expo underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its energy sector and integrating into regional economic frameworks. The Minister’s engagement with regional leaders and industry stakeholders highlighted Somalia’s readiness to collaborate with East African nations to develop its natural resources and contribute to the region’s energy landscape.
The EAEC Petroleum Expo also provided an opportunity for Somalia to learn from the experiences of other East African countries that have successfully developed their oil and gas industries. The exchange of knowledge and expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Somalia’s energy policies and attracting investment to the sector.
As Somalia continues to rebuild and stabilize, the development of its energy resources is seen as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The government’s active participation in regional forums like the EAEC Petroleum Expo demonstrates its determination to leverage its natural resources for national development and regional cooperation.
