Saturday March 14, 2026
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. state of West Virginia to develop the country’s critical mineral resources, officials said.
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The agreement, signed by Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed and West Virginia Senate Secretary Kris Warner, sets a framework for cooperation in the exploration, extraction and processing of minerals. Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama led Somalia’s delegation.
Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the memorandum also outlines plans for technical collaboration and knowledge exchange between Somali institutions and West Virginia counterparts. The Somali delegation was received by West Virginia Senate President and Lieutenant Governor Randy Smith, along with other state legislative officials, according to the ministry.
Officials said the partnership will focus on building the skills and systems needed to move Somalia’s mineral sector from prospecting to production. That includes capacity building, technical training and the development of domestic mineral processing infrastructure in Somalia — areas where the government hopes American expertise and investment can accelerate progress.
Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are increasingly central to advanced manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. Somalia has long reported the presence of untapped deposits of rare earths and other strategic resources, but large-scale extraction has been hindered by decades of instability and limited infrastructure.
The ministry said it intends to use the agreement to promote transparent and responsible extraction practices aligned with international standards, positioning the country to compete for investment as global supply chains diversify.
Key areas covered by the Somalia–West Virginia memorandum, according to officials, include:
- Cooperation on mineral exploration, extraction and processing
- Technical collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Capacity building and specialized workforce training
- Development of domestic mineral processing infrastructure in Somalia
While the memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation, the ministry did not disclose further details on project timelines. Officials framed the move as part of a broader push to attract U.S. engagement in sectors tied to energy transition materials and strategic manufacturing inputs.
Somalia has stepped up efforts in recent years to codify industry rules, strengthen governance and signal openness to responsible foreign investment in natural resources. The government hopes that partnerships with U.S. counterparts — even at the state level — can help translate geological potential into bankable projects and jobs, while ensuring environmental and social safeguards.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
