By Horn Africa News
Houston, Texas – The Somali Embassy in the United States announced yesterday the launch of what it described as a “new opportunity” to deepen dialogue and cooperation between American energy companies and Somalia.
The talks opened in Houston, Texas, a global hub for the oil and gas industry, signaling Mogadishu’s ambition to tap into U.S. expertise, capital, and technology as it seeks to rebuild its energy sector.
In a statement released by the embassy, officials reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to developing long-term partnerships in petroleum and natural gas, stressing that the country envisions “a future built on shared trade, mutual investment, and sustainable growth.”
Leading the Somali delegation is Dahir Shire Mohamed, Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, who is participating in an international conference alongside global energy stakeholders. His presence underscores the federal government’s determination to position Somalia as an attractive frontier for energy exploration and investment, despite lingering challenges of political instability, weak infrastructure, and ongoing security threats from militant groups.
Somalia has vast untapped petroleum reserves, particularly offshore, which geologists believe could make the country a significant player in the Horn of Africa’s energy market. The government has been actively seeking international partnerships since passing a petroleum law in 2020 that established a legal framework for exploration and revenue sharing with regional states. By courting American investors in Houston, Mogadishu hopes to secure both technical expertise and financial backing to accelerate exploration efforts.
Analysts, however, say the move carries not just economic but also diplomatic calculations. Somalia’s outreach to U.S. companies is widely viewed as part of Mogadishu’s broader strategy to counter the breakaway region of Somaliland, which has been engaging separately with international actors, including signing a recent controversial port and naval agreement with Ethiopia. By showcasing Somalia as the legitimate and official partner for U.S. interests, Mogadishu seeks to undermine any momentum toward Somaliland’s push for international recognition.
“It’s not only about oil and gas,” said one regional analyst. “This is also about who gets to represent Somalia’s resources on the global stage. By anchoring U.S. companies in Mogadishu, the federal government is trying to block Somaliland from gaining legitimacy through independent economic deals.”
While the Somali government’s ambitions are clear, it remains uncertain whether American energy companies will be willing to take the investment risks given Somalia’s fragile security environment and unresolved maritime disputes. Still, the decision to launch talks in Houston highlights Mogadishu’s determination to use every available diplomatic and economic channel to reinforce its sovereignty and attract partners.
For now, the Houston conference marks a symbolic step forward, one that Somali officials hope will translate into concrete energy projects, foreign investment, and strengthened U.S.-Somali ties in the months ahead.
