Turkey expands energy investments in Africa
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Neeta Mishra
- . May 5, 2025
- . Update: May 5, 2025 6:31 pm
Turkey is trying to ramp up its energy presence in Africa with major exploration deals in Libya, Somalia, and Senegal. With over 90% of its energy currently being imported, Turkey is actively searching for new resources to guarantee its future supply and cost down the prices.
Setting in an African context, Turkey has put forth a plan for the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to engage with Libya for oil and gas exploration. Somalia, with 16,000 km2 of onshore hydrocarbon exploration, is already being serviced by seismic surveys. It is said that the Turkish ship called Oruç Reis is about 78% through the 3D survey in Somali waters and is expected to complete this by May 2025. Mineral exploitation cooperation will be discussed in a summit to be held in Istanbul.
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Cooperation agreements were also signed for oil and gas, renewable energy, and rare earth minerals with Senegal. These partnerships form part of a strategic, long-term approach of Turkey to become a reliable energy partner for Africa.Erdoğan has injected a clear momentum into the Turkish-African diplomatic discourse by erecting important infrastructure and boosting trade, with African Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town presenting yet another opportunity to further cement partnerships and explore novel energy solutions on the continent.
