Somalia’s Federal Government has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Turkey’s OYAK aimed at intensifying efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to accelerate development of the country’s blue economy.

The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, H.E. Ahmed Hassan Aden, said the agreement will focus on protecting Somalia’s territorial waters, upgrading port and fish-processing infrastructure, expanding sustainable fish exports, and creating employment opportunities for young Somalis.

“This is a historic moment for our nation. We are partnering with a global giant, OYAK, not only to protect our waters, but to empower our people and revive our blue economy,” the minister said.

OYAK is a major Turkish supplementary pension fund with investments spanning sectors including mining, metallurgy, logistics and maritime-related industries, according to the ministry.

Somalia has Africa’s longest mainland coastline, stretching from the Gulf of Aden to the Indian Ocean, yet the fisheries sector remains underdeveloped. Government figures cited in recent reports estimate fisheries currently contribute about 1%–2% of national GDP, despite projections suggesting annual catch potential of roughly 340,000–420,000 metric tonnes.

Officials said the partnership is expected to help address illegal fishing by foreign vessels, including activity targeting high-value species such as Yellowfin tuna, while also improving quality standards and market access. The ministry noted it has been delivering training to coastal communities and said the new agreement will further support compliance and standardisation required for exports to premium markets in North America and Europe.