The government of Somalia has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the U.S. state of West Virginia aimed at developing cooperation in the exploration and development of critical mineral resources, an initiative officials say could help integrate Somalia into emerging global supply chains for advanced manufacturing and energy technologies.
The agreement, signed Friday, establishes a framework for collaboration in mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and value-addition. Somali officials described the partnership as part of a broader effort to position the country as a future supplier of materials essential for modern industries, including renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
The signing ceremony took place at the West Virginia State Senate in Charleston. Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, signed the memorandum on behalf of the Somali government, while Kris Warner, Secretary of the Senate, represented West Virginia.
The Somali delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, underscoring the political significance of the initiative for the federal government. The delegation was received by the President of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor Randy Smith, along with senior state lawmakers.
In parallel with the signing, the West Virginia Senate adopted a formal resolution endorsing the cooperative initiative between the two governments. The resolution signals legislative support for expanding economic ties and exploring joint opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
Under the memorandum, the two sides plan to collaborate on technical expertise, training, and the development of mineral processing capacity within Somalia. Officials say the partnership is intended to encourage American companies to invest in Somalia’s largely underexplored mineral sector while strengthening economic cooperation between the two sides.
Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the agreement will also emphasize transparent regulatory practices and responsible extraction standards designed to meet international investment expectations.
Authorities in Mogadishu say that developing the country’s mineral resources could help stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and support long-term industrial development.
