# Qatar Wins Contract to Drill Somalia's Second Oil Well

> Wardheer News reported on 12 July 2026 that Somalia's Ministry of Petroleum awarded Qatar a contract to drill a second oil well in the Nugaal Basin.

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 30 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Engineering and Methods
- Tags: structural-engineering, temporary-works, construction-risk
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/qatar-wins-contract-drill-somalia-second-oil-well

## Key points

- Somalia's Ministry of Petroleum announced Qatar was awarded the contract to drill what is expected to become the country's second oil production well, according to Wardheer News on 12 July 2026.
- The well is located at the Holhol prospect in the hydrocarbon-rich Nugaal Basin.
- No contract value, scope, timeline, or contractor details beyond 'Qatar' were disclosed.

On 12 July 2026, Wardheer News reported that Somalia's Ministry of Petroleum announced Qatar had been awarded the contract to drill what is expected to become the country's second oil production well. The announcement, as reported by Wardheer News, identified the location as the Holhol prospect in the Nugaal Basin, within the Northeastern Regional Administration.

> **Note:** Wardheer News did not report any commencement of drilling or physical works following the announcement. No contract value, scope, duration, or terms were disclosed, and no start date or drilling schedule was provided.

The minister's statement provided no detail regarding the scope or terms of the agreement, according to Wardheer News. It was also not specified whether the Government of Qatar is serving as an intermediary intending to subcontract exploration and drilling activities to major international oil and gas companies.

Wardheer News reported that the Federal Government said the Holhol well is expected to become Somalia's second major oil development project, following the Curad well where exploration and development activities are currently being undertaken by Turkey under an existing agreement with Mogadishu. Initial geological surveys at Holhol were conducted during the administration of the late President Mohamed Siad Barre, when the prospect was first identified as a potential oil-bearing structure.

The announcement has renewed optimism among many Somalis, Wardheer News reported, who view the country's untapped oil and gas resources as a potential catalyst for economic transformation. The report noted that many political and economic observers believe responsible exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves could generate substantial government revenue, create employment opportunities, and finance investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public services. Analysts cited by Wardheer News argue that equitable sharing of petroleum revenues among federal institutions and regional administrations will be essential to avoid political disputes.

No primary source for the contract award announcement is given beyond Wardheer News' report. The exact contractor entity remains unclear, with no confirmation of whether the Government of Qatar, a state-owned entity, or a private Qatari company was awarded the contract.

## Sources

- [Wardheer News](https://wardheernews.com/qatar-awarded-contract-to-drill-somalias-second-oil-well-in-nugaal-basin/) — Wardheer News, 2026-07-12