During his official visit to Somaliland, renowned Pakistani journalist and Editor‑in‑Chief of The Advocate Post, Abdul Rafay Afzal, met with H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals. The meeting underscored shared ambitions around energy exploration, mineral development, and Somaliland’s growing engagement with international partners The Advocate Post.

🔋 Key Takeaways:

• Energy & Oil & Gas Projects
  Minister Barre detailed progress on significant oil and gas initiatives involving Genel Energy (UK) and RAK Gas (UAE). He mentioned upcoming drilling in 2026 and a major June meeting in the UAE aimed at finalizing exploration timelines The Advocate Post.

• Unlocking Mineral Wealth
  Discussions highlighted Somaliland’s mineral riches—especially lithium. Barre confirmed that a Taiwanese company is moving from exploration to production under a large-scale mining license, with talks underway for potential battery manufacturing facilities on-site. 

• Renewable Energy Vision
  Citing Somaliland’s abundant solar and wind potential, they explored strategies for attracting investment in green energy as part of the country’s long-term energy roadmap 

• International Recognition Through Economic Diplomacy
  Both underscored the link between economic partnerships and Somaliland’s push for formal recognition. Barre emphasized that strategic collaborations with Taiwan, China, and the U.S. are building a strong case for diplomatic acceptance.

What It Means:

This engagement signifies a deepening of diplomatic-economic ties between Somaliland and International media and civil society sectors, led by the internationally active Abdul Rafay Afzal. It reflects Somaliland’s strategic use of resource diplomacy to amplify its international profile and drive development.