The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Federal Republic of Somalia announces the launching of Somalia\u2019s first offshore licensing round.<\/p>\n
Due to the spread of the global pandemic, COVID \u2013 19, and resulting restrictions, the Ministry decided to launch the licensing round virtually.<\/p>\n
The 2020 Somali licensing round features up to 7 blocks that are up for the bidding process which are estimated to be among the most prospective areas for hydrocarbon explorations and production in Somalia. This licensing round will open on 4th<\/sup>\u00a0of August this year and will be closing on 12th<\/sup>\u00a0March 2021.<\/p>\n This roadshow highlights as landmark moment in the development of Somalia\u2019s natural resources, which will be transformational for the country\u2019s development.<\/p>\n According to the Minister, Somalia has achieved significant milestones that will provide predictability, reliability and transparency to the oil and gas companies and investors who are willing to do business with the Somali Government.<\/p>\n Among such milestones are; the ground breaking Petroleum Law which completed its legislative process earlier this year. The Revenue Sharing Agreement enshrined in The Petroleum Law which indicates how future revenues from the development of the industry will be shared between The Federal Government, the Federal Members States and their local communities. And this agreement has now been \u2018road-tested\u2019 with the first revenues, which were recently generated from rental payments from Shell and Exxon. Moreover, Production Sharing Contract model is investor friendly, flexible and top quartile fiscal framework.<\/p>\n The Minister assured that the process would be fair and transparent for everyone taking part in the licensing round, adding that the revenues generated from oil gas explorations will be used as the catalyst for a new dynamic, renewable and self-sustainable economy<\/p>\n