Somalia has officially joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is a historic step toward adopting peaceful nuclear technology to advance healthcare, food security, and sustainable energy.
The country became the IAEA’s 179th member after depositing its instrument of acceptance on November 15, 2024.
Strengthening Somalia’s Global Partnerships
Ambassador Khadra Ahmed Dualeh, Somalia’s first permanent envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, presented her credentials to Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna.
Dualeh emphasized that membership would provide Somalia with vital technical support, particularly in electricity generation, reducing dependency on fuel imports while boosting economic growth.
Grossi welcomed Somalia’s accession, stating: “I look forward to working together to expand access to nuclear science and technology.”
Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the move as “a historic moment” in rebuilding international trust and advancing sustainable development.
Information Minister Daud Aweis also stressed Somalia’s commitment to using nuclear science responsibly for the benefit of its people.
Somalia’s Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Use
The government highlighted that its IAEA membership aligns with international safety and nonproliferation standards.
Somalia pledged to focus on peaceful applications such as power generation, cancer treatment, sustainable agriculture, water management, and radiation protection.
Officials underscored that the initiative is about development, not weapons, framing nuclear science as a tool for security, stability, and prosperity.
Almond Energy’s Role in Somalia’s Nuclear Ambitions
Somalia’s entry into the International Atomic Energy Agency was supported by Almond Energy, a local consultancy and subsidiary of Almond Group.
The firm, known for its United Nations contracts in logistics and engineering, advised the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources during the application process.
Almond Energy has since positioned itself as the government’s exclusive partner in developing Somalia’s uranium resources, which could cover up to 40% of the country’s territory.
Historical Uranium Prospects in Somalia
Somalia’s interest in nuclear resources dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when UN geologists identified uranium deposits in Wabo, Mirig, Dusa Mareb, and El Bur, with larger reserves estimated in Mudugh and Karkar.
At the time, experts suggested reserves could reach 150,000 tons, but weak global uranium prices and high production costs stalled development plans.
A 1985 report concluded that Somalia lacked the technical capacity and infrastructure to exploit its uranium resources without significant international support.
Today, however, with International Atomic Energy Agency membership and international cooperation, Somalia aims to revisit these opportunities in a safer, more sustainable framework.
Joining the International Atomic Energy Agency: A New Era for Somalia
By joining the IAEA, Somalia signals its determination to modernize its energy sector, strengthen national institutions, and leverage science for progress.
If implemented effectively, peaceful nuclear technology could transform Somalia’s healthcare, agriculture, and energy systems, creating long-term pathways toward stability and economic independence.
