MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and the U.S. state of West Virginia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the exploration, extraction, processing, and development of critical minerals.
The agreement, signed in the West Virginia State Senate, aims to promote investment, technical knowledge exchange, and the development of Somalia’s mineral value chain.
Somalia was represented by Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed, while West Virginia’s side was represented by Senate Secretary Kris Warner. The signing ceremony was attended by Somali Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and other senior officials, as well as West Virginia Senate President and Lieutenant Governor Randy Smith.
The West Virginia Senate also issued a resolution supporting the partnership, highlighting the strategic importance of the collaboration and the state’s commitment to strengthening economic and technical ties with Somalia.
The MoU focuses on cooperation in mineral exploration and extraction, development of processing capabilities, exchange of technical expertise, and promotion of investment and commercial partnerships between institutions and companies on both sides.
The Somali government said the agreement represents a key step in responsibly developing the country’s natural resources, attracting foreign investment, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
