Türkiye is strengthening its economic engagement with Africa, setting a new trade target of $40 billion by the end of 2025 as it builds on more than a decade of steady expansion and influence across the continent.
Trade between Türkiye and African nations reached $37 billion in 2024, a sharp rise from just $5.4 billion in 2003, according to figures shared during the 5th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) held in Istanbul.
Over 4,000 participants from across the public and private sectors attended the forum, which explored partnerships in key industries including agriculture, textiles, energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and digital trade.
Turkish construction and contracting companies have become major players on the continent, completing more than 2,000 projects valued at nearly $100 billion over the past decade. These projects span critical infrastructure, energy systems, industrial facilities, and housing developments.
The new trade goal reflects Türkiye’s strategic ambition to expand its global partnerships and strengthen its role as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Officials noted that Africa currently accounts for around 3% of Türkiye’s global trade, leaving significant room for growth.
Despite the strong progress, Ankara acknowledged ongoing challenges such as logistics bottlenecks, currency fluctuations, and limited access to trade finance, which could slow expansion. Addressing these barriers will be key to sustaining momentum and ensuring balanced trade relationships.
Türkiye’s deepening ties with Africa offer mutual benefits: African economies gain access to Turkish technology, expertise, and investment, while Türkiye secures new export markets and long-term partnerships across a rapidly developing continent.
Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco are expected to play leading roles in achieving the new trade target, given their strong economic links and investment opportunities.
