Turkey is set to extend its influence in Africa by sending the 86-meter-long research vessel, Oruc Reis, to explore offshore oil and gas blocks in Somalia next month. This move, confirmed by Mohamed Hashi, Somalia's petroleum ministry director, aligns with Turkey’s strategy to diversify its energy supply and strengthen ties in a region where global powers like China, Russia, and the Gulf states compete for influence.

Africa’s mineral wealth and growing population present a significant opportunity for Turkey to expand its international presence. According to Batu Coskun, a research fellow at the Libyan Sadeq Institute, Africa offers Turkey a platform to experiment with its activist foreign policy. Somalia, where Turkey operates its largest overseas military base and manages key infrastructure, exemplifies this approach.

Turkey's engagement in Africa extends beyond Somalia, with exports to the continent reaching $28.6 billion in 2023. Ankara is increasingly combining intelligence, defense, mining, and energy deals across African nations, solidifying its regional influence and energy security.