Somalia, Türkiye sign fisheries pact to curb illegal fishing and spur jobs
Somalia has welcomed a new “Strategic Cooperation and Service Agreement” with Türkiye that sets up a joint licensing and enforcement framework for the country’s vast waters, aiming to protect marine resources, expand the blue economy and create jobs.
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Somali Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy Ahmed Hassan Aden said the agreement, signed Dec. 17 with Türkiye’s OYAK group, will institutionalize economic cooperation and anchor a long-term partnership across the Indian Ocean fisheries value chain.
“The agreement offers a win-win partnership model between the two countries,” Aden said in remarks to Anadolu Agency, framing the deal as both an economic and strategic milestone for Somalia and Türkiye.
At the heart of the accord is SOMTURK, a new company established in Somalia to support the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in managing licensing across the country’s exclusive economic zone. Officials said the arrangement is designed to modernize regulation and bring order to a sector long vulnerable to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Aden emphasized that all regulatory authority remains with Somalia. While SOMTURK will facilitate applications and help standardize licensing, “final approval will remain with the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy as the competent authority,” he said.
The agreement’s priorities include maritime security and stewardship of the country’s rich fisheries. “This cooperation will contribute to Somalia’s maritime security while ensuring the sustainable protection of marine resources,” Aden said, adding that curbing IUU fishing off Somalia’s coast is a core objective.
Key elements of the Somalia–Türkiye fisheries agreement:
- Creation of SOMTURK to support licensing and compliance in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone
- Enhanced maritime surveillance and enforcement to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
- Retention of licensing authority by Somalia’s fisheries ministry, with streamlined processing for local and foreign applicants
- Revenue-sharing to channel proceeds into Somali public benefit and sector development
- Investment in ports, cold-chain, storage, processing and industrial facilities to strengthen the blue economy
- Job creation, vocational training and expanded export capacity for Somali producers
- Facilitated, regulated access for licensed Turkish fleets to operate in Somali waters
Aden said the licensing mechanism will “strengthen institutional capacity domestically while also playing a facilitating role internationally,” helping Somalia engage global operators on clear terms while safeguarding jurisdiction, ownership rights and economic opportunities.
The minister cast the pact as a direct boost to livelihoods. “Through revenue-sharing generated via the SOMTURK company, the benefits of this agreement will be reflected for both the Somali and Turkish people, allowing both countries to gain economically,” he said, noting new employment pathways and training for young people.
Somalia’s coastline is among Africa’s longest and most resource-rich, but the sector has struggled with underinvestment, fragmented oversight and predatory fishing by unauthorized vessels. Officials say the new framework is intended to close enforcement gaps and unlock value at home by anchoring processing and cold-chain infrastructure inside Somalia.
“Providing access for the Turkish fisheries sector to Somali ports, territorial waters and seas will allow Turkish fishing fleets to operate in these areas,” Aden said, adding that Somalia, in turn, would benefit by selectively sharing its natural wealth with Turkish partners under a regulated, monitored system.
The government expects the agreement to spur a sustainable revenue model, increase employment through fish processing, strengthen the local economy and ensure that added value contributes to the welfare of Somali communities. It also builds on a broader track of Somalia–Türkiye cooperation in recent years, deepening ties in security, commerce and development.
Aden described the deal as opening “new horizons” for bilateral economic relations, while reinforcing Somalia’s ability to protect its marine domain and translate natural endowments into jobs and growth.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
