MOGADISHU/ANKARA — Turkey and Somalia have developed one of the closest strategic partnerships in Africa, with Ankara providing more than $1 billion in aid and development support while expanding cooperation in infrastructure, security, trade, and energy.
Over the past decade, Turkey has become a major partner for Somalia, supporting humanitarian programmes, infrastructure projects, and state-building efforts. Turkish companies and institutions have also taken key roles in Somalia’s economy, including involvement in the management and development of strategic facilities such as Mogadishu’s airport and port.
In the security sector, Turkey has played a significant role in strengthening Somalia’s defence capabilities through military training and cooperation. The Turkish military training base in Mogadishu, TURKSOM, has trained thousands of Somali soldiers as part of efforts to build a stronger national army and combat threats from armed groups.
Despite these close relations, Somali citizens continue to face restrictions when seeking to travel to Turkey. Unlike citizens of some countries, Somalis are not included in Turkey’s online e-Visa system and are generally required to apply for visas through Turkish diplomatic missions.
The visa issue has become a source of frustration among some Somalis, who argue that the strong political and economic partnership between the two countries should be reflected in easier travel procedures.
Meanwhile, Turkey has expanded its engagement with Somalia’s energy sector. Ankara has sent a Turkish energy exploration vessel to conduct offshore oil and gas exploration activities along the Somali coastline and signed agreements aimed at developing Somalia’s natural resources.
Analysts say Somalia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa, near important global shipping routes, makes it increasingly important for international partners. However, ongoing challenges, including security threats, limited infrastructure, economic difficulties, and irregular migration pressures, continue to affect the country’s development and the international mobility of its citizens.
The Turkey-Somalia relationship remains a major example of growing Turkish influence in Africa, combining humanitarian support, security cooperation, and economic investment — while also facing unresolved issues such as visa access and citizen mobility.
