Why is Turkey more successful in Somalia than Norway?
- Somali Norwegian Chamber Of Commerce
- Dec 12, 2024
- 4 min read
Turkey and Norway have adopted different approaches in Somalia. While Turkey combines investments and military cooperation, Norway focuses on humanitarian aid and state-building. What underlies Turkey’s success, and how can Norway achieve greater influence and better results?
The Turkish seismic ship Oruç Reis arrived at Mogadishu port on October 25. The purpose was to initiate extensive mapping of Somalia's coastal areas.
This initiative, which represents a significant chapter in Turkey’s long-term strategic engagement in the region, is closely linked to an agreement signed on October 7 between the Turkish company Metag Holding and the Somali Hobyo Investment Company (HICO).
The agreement, valued at NOK 773 million in its initial phase, involves the development of Hobyo Port – a strategic mega-port designed to facilitate future oil exploration. Alongside economic investments, Turkey plays a crucial role in strengthening Somalia’s security through military support and collaboration.
Norway, on the other hand, has focused on humanitarian aid, state-building, and democratization, investing significant resources into the development of Somalia’s constitution – a key factor for the country’s political stability.
Notably, Norway played a central role in enabling Somalia to secure debt relief through the International Monetary Fund’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) in 2023. Yet, Norway has achieved less geopolitical influence than Turkey.
This raises the question: What explains Turkey’s success, and why hasn’t Norway managed to achieve a similar level of influence in the region?
Turkey’s Role in Somalia
Turkey’s engagement in Somalia began with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s symbolic visit to Mogadishu in 2011. This marked a turning point in Somalia’s international isolation following its civil war, and Turkey has since established itself as a long-term partner in Somalia’s reconstruction and development.
Since then, Turkey has invested in critical infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and ports. These efforts have not only boosted Somalia’s economic growth and social development but also consolidated bilateral ties between the two nations.
In June 2016, President Erdoğan visited Mogadishu again, this time to inaugurate Turkey’s largest embassy. The visit took place shortly after the bombing of the Ambassador Hotel, which claimed 24 lives.
For Turkey, the benefits of a strategic alliance and presence in Somalia have outweighed the significant security challenges.
Ethiopia – A Piece of the Puzzle
Beyond risky investments, how has Turkey established itself as Somalia’s key ally, a nation with significant geostrategic importance?
The explanation lies partly in Turkey’s rich historical heritage and its central position among Muslim communities during the Ottoman Empire. This has fostered a high degree of acceptance in a deeply religious country like Somalia. Turkey is seen as a brotherly nation with a genuine commitment to strengthening Somalia’s development.
Another factor is Ethiopia, Somalia’s predominantly Christian and populous neighbor, often perceived as a threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity and national unity.
At the start of the year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the self-declared state of Somaliland for a 50-year lease of a 20-kilometer coastal strip in the north, directly challenging Somalia’s sovereignty.
This was a key reason behind the historic defense agreement in February 2024, a turning point in Turkey-Somalia bilateral relations.
In this context, Turkey’s extensive investments in security and military development have become a critical support for Somalia, marking a sharp contrast to the approaches of other international actors.
Norway in Somalia
Norway does not share the religious or cultural ties with Somalia that Turkey does, but it has contributed billions in aid and earned a positive reputation among the Somali population.
Norway’s efforts to establish a politically stable and functional Somalia, as well as its role as a state-builder and facilitator of reconciliation, are well recognized.
However, the challenge lies not in intentions or diplomatic approaches but in outcomes, as aid often fails to yield the desired results.
For Norway to achieve greater success and influence through its aid, more attention must be directed toward investments in infrastructure and social development.
Norway’s total aid budget for 2025 is approximately NOK 58 billion. In the original proposal, NOK 5 billion was allocated to the state guarantee scheme for renewable energy.
This represents an important step in the right direction, as such investments are crucial for promoting Somalia’s development while also creating opportunities for Norwegian investors. However, aid efforts should not be limited to renewable energy. Somalia offers a broad range of opportunities for investors in various sectors beyond renewable energy.
Furthermore, Norway should increase direct investments in reconstruction. The renovation support Norway, in collaboration with the EU, provided to Mogadishu Stadium has demonstrated significant impact and influence in a country where 70 percent of the population is under 30 years old.
At the end of 2020, Mogadishu Stadium hosted a historic regional football tournament. The renovated venue, filled with thousands of peaceful spectators watching football, became a powerful symbol of hope and resilience against the terror organization al-Shabaab.
The Need for Greater Investment
Turkey’s strategic investments and security cooperation have provided substantial geopolitical advantages and strengthened bilateral relations with Somalia.
Norway, meanwhile, has focused primarily on humanitarian aid and state-building but has achieved less influence in the region.
To enhance its presence and impact in Somalia, Norway must combine aid with targeted investments in infrastructure and sectors that promote development and long-term value creation.
Deputy Chair of the Somali-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce
This is a debate article. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Published 11.12.2024 - 08:35
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