OIA Expands Strategic Investments in Türkiye: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
ISTANBUL: The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has finalized agreements to acquire stakes in two Turkish companies in the mining and defence sectors through the Turkish-Omani Investment Company, which was established under the Oman-Türkiye Joint Fund.
The acquisitions involve SAMAS Mining, a producer of sodium bentonite, and Tekatron, a company specializing in remotely operated unmanned ground military systems.
The investment in SAMAS Mining aims to expand production of sodium bentonite, a strategically vital material used in oil and gas operations, industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The stake in Tekatron aligns with OIA’s strategy to diversify its portfolio by investing in sectors of strategic and technological importance.
Ibrahim bin Said al Aisri, Head of Private Markets Investments at the Oman Investment Authority, explained that these investments reflect OIA’s approach to integrating an “Omani dimension” into its international ventures by supporting sectors prioritized within Oman, including oil and gas, industry, logistics, and defence-related industries.
SAMAS Mining operates the Tokat bentonite deposit in Türkiye, one of only two such deposits worldwide, with reserves expected to last nearly 200 years. Under the new agreement, production capacity will increase from 160,000 tonnes to over 300,000 tonnes annually. Oman will also secure priority access to this resource to support local industries connected to sodium bentonite.
Tekatron, based in Ankara, designs and manufactures remotely operated unmanned ground systems and has proven operational capabilities in military applications within Türkiye. This investment is set to enhance Oman’s access to cutting-edge defence technologies for border security, surveillance, and military logistics, while fostering opportunities to localize related technologies and manufacturing within Oman.
The Turkish-Omani Investment Company was established in 2025 through a partnership between the Oman Investment Authority and OYAK, with a combined capital of $500 million equally funded by both parties. The fund aims to encourage joint investments, technology transfer, and collaboration across sectors such as mining, logistics, industry, agriculture, and renewable energy. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s strategic investment in Turkish mining and defense sectors through the Oman-Türkiye Joint Fund signals a bold move to boost resource security and technological advancement. For Omani businesses, this creates opportunities to leverage priority access to critical materials like sodium bentonite, vital for oil, gas, and industrial sectors, while also paving the way for localization of advanced defense technologies. Smart investors should monitor these cross-border ventures for emerging synergies in tech transfer and manufacturing, positioning Oman as a regional hub for strategic industries.
