Somalia, Egypt Agree to Boost Cooperation in Fisheries, Energy and Mining

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Egypt have agreed to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, the blue economy, petroleum and mineral resources following talks in Mogadishu between senior officials from the two countries.

The discussions took place during a visit by an Egyptian delegation led by Ambassador Mohamed Karim Fouad Sherif, Egypt’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs.

The delegation held separate meetings with Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire.

Officials said the talks focused on expanding cooperation in marine resources, fisheries, trade, petroleum and mining, while exploring opportunities for investment and sustainable development of natural resources.

The meetings also addressed technical cooperation, capacity building and skills development, areas viewed as critical as Somalia seeks to unlock the economic potential of its vast coastline and untapped natural resources.

Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden said Somalia was keen to establish a strategic partnership that would encourage investment and facilitate the transfer of expertise to Somali professionals.

The discussions come as Somalia seeks to accelerate economic growth through the development of sectors considered central to its long-term recovery, including fisheries, energy and extractive industries. With Africa’s longest mainland coastline, Somalia has increasingly identified the blue economy as a major pillar of future economic development.

In recent years, Egypt has expanded its engagement with Somalia across diplomatic, security and economic sectors. Relations between the two countries have grown significantly amid broader regional cooperation efforts and shared interests in trade, development and maritime affairs.

The talks also follow Somalia’s efforts to attract foreign investment into its offshore energy sector and strengthen the management of natural resources as part of wider economic reform initiatives backed by international partners.

The meetings were attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah, and senior officials from both governments.

Officials from the two countries said stronger sectoral partnerships could help support economic development, create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable growth in Somalia.