In a significant development for international cooperation, Taiwan and Somaliland have confirmed a major milestone in their economic partnership, with oil exploration set to commence early next year. This announcement was made during an exclusive interview on Taiwan Plus, where Mahamoud Adam Jama Galaal, Somaliland’s Representative to Taiwan, highlighted the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Since establishing representative offices in each other’s capitals in 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland have been actively building a unique partnership. This collaboration includes initiatives like the Joint Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation Working Group, alongside Taiwan’s investments in Somaliland’s agriculture and technology sectors. These efforts are not only strengthening Somaliland’s emerging economy but are also paving the way for mutual growth.
During the Taiwan Plus interview, Galaal emphasized the strategic importance of Somaliland’s location, positioning it as a commercial and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa. The development of the Berbera port, along with new infrastructure and a free zone, is set to become the premier commercial logistics hub in the region, potentially accessing a market of 300-400 million Africans. Taiwan, with its advanced economy, is providing crucial knowledge transfer and investment opportunities, actively seeking to replicate its success in Somaliland.
A key focus of the interview was the progress in oil exploration. Galaal confirmed that CPC Taiwan is actively involved in Somaliland’s hydrocarbon sector, with drilling operations expected to begin early in 2026. This development marks a significant step forward, building on previous seismic data that suggests potential access to 650 million barrels of oil in the SL10B block, alongside British-Turkish firm Genel Energy. This partnership underscores the economic benefits for both nations, with Taiwan’s expertise playing a vital role in Somaliland’s ambitious quest to develop its mineral and energy sectors.
The interview also highlighted how Somaliland is leveraging Taiwan’s technological and AI expertise not only in oil exploration but also in banking and financing. A recent delegation from the Central Bank of Somaliland explored financing options with Taiwanese expertise, aiming to make substantial progress in these areas. This collaboration exemplifies how nations can work together to achieve common goals, fostering economic growth and stability.
As Taiwan and Somaliland continue to strengthen their alliance, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope for other countries seeking to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships in the global arena. The Taiwan Plus interview not only showcased the progress in oil exploration but also the broader economic and strategic benefits that this partnership brings to both nations.
Interview Excerpts
With only a handful of formal diplomatic allies, Taiwan has worked diligently to develop unofficial ties with other friendly countries, fostering connections with places fighting for sovereignty, such as Somaliland in the Horn of Africa. Since establishing representative offices in each other’s capitals in 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland have strengthened their relations, building a unique partnership. This collaboration includes initiatives like the Joint Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation Working Group and Taiwan’s investments in Somaliland’s agriculture and technology sectors.
Interviewer: How are these economic collaborations strengthening Somaliland’s emerging economy, and what specific benefits do they bring to both nations?
Mahamoud Adam Jama Galaal: The economic relationship between Taiwan and Somaliland is relatively young but shows great promise. We believe that in the medium to long term, both nations will benefit significantly. Somaliland offers a strategic location, positioning itself as a commercial and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa, potentially accessing a market of 300-400 million Africans, including not only Somaliland and Ethiopia but the entire region.
The Berbera port, along with new infrastructure and a adjacent free zone, is set to become the premier commercial logistics hub in the region.
Taiwan, with its advanced economy, provides invaluable knowledge transfer and investment opportunities. We are actively seeking to learn from and replicate Taiwan’s success. Our policy is to welcome all investors, but Taiwan receives preferential treatment in trade due to its significant investments, such as CPC Taiwan’s involvement in the hydrocarbon sector. We envisage oil drilling commencing early next year, and we continue to engage with Taiwanese firms and entrepreneurs, ensuring mutual economic benefits.
Interviewer: How is Somaliland leveraging these partnerships to position itself as a trade hub? What role does Taiwan’s expertise play in developing your mineral and energy sectors?
Mahamoud Adam Jama Galaal: Somaliland is leveraging these partnerships to establish itself as a key trade hub, benefiting from Taiwan’s expertise, which is essential for our development. Taiwan, one of the most advanced economies globally in technology and AI, is a crucial partner. We are working closely with Taiwan not only in oil exploration but also in banking and financing, utilizing technology and artificial intelligence. Recently, a delegation from the Central Bank of Somaliland, including the governor and his special advisor, explored financing options with Taiwanese expertise. We believe this collaboration will lead to substantial progress in these areas, fostering positive economic growth for both nations.