Somalia’s Petroleum Minister Attends East African Energy Conference in Tanzania

GOOBJOOG NEWS | DAR-ES-SALAAM: Somalia’s Petroleum and Minerals Minister, Dahir Shire Mohamed, participated in the 11th East African Economic Cooperation (EAEC) Petroleum Expo 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, Mohamed Haashi Arrabeey, and Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Economic Cooperation (EAC), Ilyas Ali Hassan.

The event provided Somalia with a platform to showcase its vast energy potential and explore opportunities for regional collaboration in the oil and gas sector.

In his address, Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed emphasized Somalia’s abundant oil and mineral resources, urging international investors to partner with Somalia in unlocking its energy potential. He acknowledged the challenges facing the sector but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships for 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 aimed to enhance cooperation among EAEC member states in the oil and gas sector, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint investment initiatives. Discussions covered strategies to boost energy security, promote sustainable development, and create an enabling environment for investment in the region’s energy sector.

Somalia’s participation underscores its commitment to strengthening its energy sector and integrating into regional economic frameworks. Minister Dahir’s engagement with regional leaders and industry stakeholders highlighted Somalia’s readiness to collaborate with East African nations in developing its natural resources and contributing to the region’s energy landscape.

The EAEC Petroleum Expo also served as a valuable learning experience for Somalia, providing insights from other East African countries that have successfully developed their oil and gas industries. The exchange of knowledge and expertise is expected to play a critical role in shaping Somalia’s energy policies and attracting investment.

As Somalia continues its rebuilding efforts, 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 reflects its determination to leverage its natural resources for national development and regional cooperation.