Turkish aid agency supports Somalia’s development through over 500 projects

MOGADISHU, Somalia

The Turkish state development aid agency has implemented over 500 projects since starting work in Somalia in 2011, contributing to the country's development in fields ranging from health care and agriculture to education and infrastructure.

Zafer Eski, Somalia coordinator for the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), told Anadolu that the agency is focusing on sustainable development and long-term impact. “One of our most important projects is Zamzam University,” he said.

“Originally established as a small agricultural school in 2012 with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), it became Zamzam University in 2014. Graduates now play key roles across Somalia’s agriculture sector.”

TIKA has also carried out major infrastructure work in the capital Mogadishu, including paving roughly 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) of main roads, the construction of TurkSom, Türkiye's largest overseas military base and training facility, and furnishing the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Education and Research Hospital.

Eski highlighted the agency's emphasis on vocational training for youth and disabled people.

Programs at the SANCO Disabled Education Center, such as sewing, makeup, and henna tattoo workshops, teach participants how to earn a livelihood and achieve financial independence.

Eski said TIKA also supports educational initiatives such as Turkish language classes for Somali police orphans through the Yunus Emre Institute.

Over the years, the agency has also helped schools build capacity and improve infrastructure to promote long-term development throughout Somalia.

Somalia and Türkiye developed their close friendship in 2011 after Turkish President Erdogan (then prime minister) paid a visit to the country, the first non-African leader to do so in over 20 years.

Since then, Turkish humanitarian and technical development assistance to Somalia has topped $1 billion, including projects in areas such as health, education, municipal services, and infrastructure.