Somalia is targeting its first oil drilling in January 2026, hoping to join the ranks of fossil-fuel producers. According to a programme released by the presidency on Monday, drilling will begin at Somalia’s first offshore block, using Turkish technology. Oil boomThe two Somali leaders hope untapped reserves will transform the country’s economy. Earlier this year, a Petroleum ministry official said two blocks could be worth $1.25 trillion at current prices. In April 2025, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) signed an onshore exploration and production agreement, covering three blocks spanning 16,000 sq km.