Cape Town: Turkeys Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Ahmet Berat Çonkar, is set to deliver remarks at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, highlighting Ankara's deepening involvement in Africa's energy sector. The event, titled 'Invest in African Energies', will take place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, showcasing Turkey's expanding role in reshaping partnerships and fostering new investment opportunities in the region.
According to African Press Organization, Ankara has actively pursued a significant presence in Africa's hydrocarbon sector over the past two years. In April 2025, Turkey entered into a landmark agreement with Somalia for onshore oil and gas exploration. This agreement grants the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights over three blocks covering an area of 16,000 km². The deal involves seismic studies and drilling, with substantial cost recovery rights and low royalty obligations for Turkey, demonstrating its willingness to take on frontier risks and Somalia's need for dependable partners. Additionally, Turkey has expressed intentions to enhance collaboration in Somalia's mining sector, aiming to tap into Africa's abundant reserves of critical minerals vital for the global energy transition.
As Deputy Minister Çonkar prepares to speak at AEW 2025, there is potential for more transparent and proactive collaboration benefiting both Turkish investors and African nations. Turkey's approach to energy and mining in Africa extends beyond resource acquisition, representing a new model of partnership. The challenge lies in aligning terms to ensure fair returns for host countries, the growth of local industries, and shared risk, as emphasized by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
