Turkey is tightening its economic and military grip on Niger and Somalia, viewing both countries as “anchor states” for advancing its strategic interests across Africa.
Ankara’s expanding presence is aimed at securing future energy sources, strengthening Erdoğan’s global influence and positioning Turkey as an Islamic alternative to Western, Russian and Chinese partnerships.
In Somalia, Turkey has deepened its involvement since late 2025. Ankara has begun implementing agreements to protect Somalia’s exclusive economic zone in exchange for 30% of future revenues. A Turkish drilling ship arrived in the area in March 2026, following reports of potential reserves of up to 20 billion barrels of oil.
Turkey has also reportedly deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia for the first time, along with tanks to secure a planned space and missile base north of Mogadishu. Talks are also underway over the possible establishment of a Turkish naval base in the country’s northeast.
