For many years, the most fundamental issue in Somalia has been security. The weakness of state capacity and the influence of terrorist organisations have severely limited the development of economic activity. Türkiye’s approach in this regard has evolved from humanitarian aid to development assistance, and subsequently continued with military training tailored to local needs. However, this approach has not been limited to a purely military perspective but has aimed to build a more comprehensive security architecture.
At the current stage, Türkiye’s contributions are playing a decisive role in enhancing Somalia’s counter-terrorism capabilities. Reconnaissance and surveillance support provided by unmanned aerial vehicles, the operational contribution of air assets, and military training programmes have shifted the balance on the ground in favour of the Somali state. This has had both a military and a psychological impact. The narrowing of terrorist organisations’ operational space and the reduction in their attack capacity have contributed to the re-establishment of state authority.
The relative improvement in security has also paved the way for economic activities and investment. The rapid urbanization observed in Mogadishu in recent years, along with increased construction activities and private sector investment, are concrete indicators of this transformation. The active role of Turkish companies in infrastructure and superstructure projects serves as a significant lever in the revitalisation of the Somali economy.
One of Somalia’s greatest untapped potentials lies in its marine resources, which have remained underutilised for many years. From a blue economy perspective, fisheries, maritime transport and energy resources present critical opportunities for Somalia. Within the framework of the partnerships developed with Türkiye, fishing activities to be carried out in Somali territorial waters represent a significant step towards harnessing this potential. This process will not only generate economic revenue but will also strengthen Somalia’s control over its maritime zones.
In parallel, the process of building up Somalia’s naval forces is also noteworthy. These efforts, carried out with Türkiye’s support, are of critical importance in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security. Maritime security, whilst a military matter, is also decisive for the sustainability of trade and economic activities.
Furthermore, the operation of port and airport facilities in Somalia by Turkish companies constitutes a significant aspect of Türkiye’s economic presence in the country. However, as the Somali economy grows, the existing infrastructure is beginning to prove inadequate. This situation brings new port and airport projects to the fore. Another notable development, in terms of accelerating trade and reducing costs, is the increasing use of the Somali flag on commercial vessels. This step has the potential to significantly shorten trade transit times. This will not only accelerate Somalia’s integration into global trade networks but also enhance its competitive strength.