As Somalia moves closer to launching the drilling of its first oil well, officials have provided further details confirming that the Holhol oil well has been awarded to Gulfsom Energy.

Mohamed Abdihashi Arabey, Director General of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, disclosed the information in an exclusive interview with Raxanreeb.

He said the Holhol oil well had been assigned to Gulfsom Energy Ltd, a company registered in both Somalia and Qatar, and noted that the firm will oversee the drilling operations.

Arabey added that the Somali government has already covered the financial costs required for the project and expressed hope that drilling activities will begin soon.

Asked whether Gulfsom Energy is owned by Somali or Qatari nationals, Arabey said the company is a partnership between Somali and Qatari stakeholders.