Minister Ahmed stated that the deal embodies Somalia’s strategic direction to reduce dependence on unprocessed resource exports by developing a well-organized and controlled fisheries industry.
Somalia and Turkey’s OYAK Group have established a collaboration to transform the nation’s fisheries and maritime sector through an agreement centered on production, processing, knowledge sharing, and governance.
The memorandum of understanding was formalized in Ankara by Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, alongside representatives from the OYAK Group.
The partnership creates a Marine Production Development Initiative aimed at increasing fish production to meet international market standards while developing infrastructure for processing within Somalia instead of exporting raw fish.
Representatives from both nations indicated that the framework demonstrates a mutual commitment to establishing a fisheries system based on regulations, strategic planning, and organized supply chains connecting producers to markets.
According to the partnership terms, OYAK will assist in constructing fish processing facilities across Somalia and participate in initiatives designed to enhance the skills and technical expertise of local fishermen.
The initiative encompasses plans to direct investments toward ports, cold storage facilities, and other fishing-related infrastructure, with sustainability serving as a guiding principle throughout all implementation phases.
Minister Ahmed emphasized that the agreement signifies Somalia’s policy decision to transition away from raw resource dependency by cultivating a systematically regulated fisheries sector.
He mentioned that the government intends to safeguard marine environments and generate economic opportunities and jobs through systems that facilitate improved resource management and more transparent benefit distribution.
He noted that coastal communities will likely assume a pivotal role in the initiative and benefit from greater access to employment opportunities and services.
The signing event was witnessed by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries, Abdi Dirshe.
Attending officials highlighted the necessity for coordination between fisheries and maritime transport authorities to guarantee that production, processing, and export operations operate within a unified policy framework rather than functioning independently.
Maritime security constitutes a fundamental aspect of the cooperation framework, with specific measures targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities within Somali waters.
Somali representatives indicated that these practices have inflicted financial losses upon local fishermen and diminished confidence in governmental oversight for numerous years. Through enhanced monitoring, information exchange, and enforcement assistance, the partners expressed their goal to preserve fish populations and support legitimate fishing operations.
The initiative is projected to create employment opportunities across multiple segments of the fisheries value chain, encompassing fishing, processing, storage, transportation, and auxiliary services.
This venture is anticipated to modernize the fisheries sector and integrate Somali products into the international supply chain,” he remarked during the ceremony.
The minister further remarked that the agreement demonstrates the confidence that OYAK and Turkish institutions have in Somalia’s security environment and reform initiatives.
He stated that such collaboration signals to other investors that Somalia welcomes partnerships emphasizing production, regulation, and mutual advantages rather than short-term resource extraction.
Turkish officials from the ministries of defence, agriculture, forestry, and foreign affairs, alongside senior OYAK executives, affirmed that the partnership enhances bilateral cooperation and extends upon existing relationships. They indicated that the initiative aligns with common objectives concerning economic development, stability, and regional collaboration.
