MOGADISHU — Somali government officials, petroleum experts and financial specialists gathered in Mogadishu on Monday for a high-level workshop aimed at assessing the country’s preparedness for an upcoming oil and gas licensing round, as authorities seek to attract international investment into the hydrocarbons sector.
The workshop, focused on a Licensing Round Needs Assessment, brought together technical experts from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the Somali Petroleum Authority and the Ministry of Finance. Participants reviewed institutional, legal, technical and fiscal frameworks considered essential for the successful management of future petroleum licensing activities.
Officials said the discussions centered on strengthening Somalia’s regulatory capacity, enhancing transparency and ensuring that the country’s petroleum governance systems are aligned with internationally recognized standards and best practices.
The event comes as Somalia intensifies efforts to develop its largely untapped offshore and onshore hydrocarbon resources, which authorities believe could play a significant role in supporting economic growth, increasing domestic revenues and creating opportunities for long-term development.
Speaking at the workshop, participants emphasized that careful planning and strong institutional readiness are critical to building investor confidence and ensuring that future licensing processes are conducted in a transparent, competitive and accountable manner.
They noted that a well-prepared licensing round would help maximize the value of Somalia’s natural resources while safeguarding national interests and ensuring that potential benefits are shared broadly among Somali citizens.
The workshop also examined lessons learned from international petroleum licensing practices and explored measures to improve coordination among key government institutions involved in resource management, contract administration and revenue oversight.
As Somalia moves closer to launching its next licensing round, authorities say strengthening governance structures and technical expertise will remain a priority to ensure the country is fully prepared to engage with international energy companies and manage future investments effectively.
Participants expressed appreciation to all institutions and partners that contributed to the organization of the workshop, describing it as an important step toward establishing a credible and internationally competitive petroleum sector in Somalia.
