Somalia expected to launch first satellite in 2027, Turkish envoy says

Saturday September 12, 2026

Turkish space firm Fergani Space launched its first satellite, the firm announced 15 January, 2025 on X (Handout / SpaceX / AA)

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is expected to launch its first satellite into space in 2027 as part of growing cooperation with Türkiye on space-related projects, Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, the ambassador said the plan would be implemented in Warsheekh district in Middle Shabelle region, where a facility dedicated to satellite operations and space research is expected to be established.

“If I had said five or 10 years ago that one day Somalia would launch a satellite into space, many people might have laughed at us,” Aktaş said.

He said progress in security and diplomacy reflected wider changes taking place in Somalia, noting that foreign diplomats are now present in Mogadishu, some with children attending schools in the city.

The ambassador also discussed ongoing oil and natural gas exploration off Somalia’s coast, saying Turkish teams are currently operating in Somali waters.

“I hope that when good news regarding the exploration results is received, you will remember us,” he said.

Aktaş said Turkish fishing vessels are expected to begin arriving in Somalia in October as part of efforts to develop the country’s fishing industry and marine economy.

He said Somalia could benefit significantly from its blue economy, with fisheries and marine resources serving as important economic assets.

The ambassador said cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye would not be limited to space, oil and fisheries. He emphasized plans are also under discussion for major projects in mining, agriculture, road infrastructure and urban connectivity across Somalia.

“What we discussed today reflects what we have achieved so far, but our aspirations and goals go far beyond that,” Aktaş said.

Somalia is preparing to become the first African country to launch satellites from its soil, a major step for a country still rebuilding after decades of conflict.

The space partnership with Türkiye is expected to include a spaceport along Somalia’s Indian Ocean coast.

The project has been described as one of the largest foreign investments in Somalia’s recent history and reflects deepening strategic ties between Mogadishu and Ankara.

Somalia is positioned just above the equator, straddling the northern and southern hemispheres. Scientifically, this makes it one of the best possible locations on Earth for a rocket lift-off.

Rockets launched from equatorial locations benefit from Earth’s maximum rotational velocity –approximately 1,670 kmph – while reducing fuel requirements and increasing payload capacity.

The designated 30×30 km site along Somalia’s extensive coastline, the longest in mainland Africa, also provides a clear eastward trajectory over the Indian Ocean under the Horn of Africa’s consistently clear skies, ensuring spent rocket stages fall safely away from populated areas.