TURKIYE-AFRICA BUSINESS AND ECONOMY FORUM: STRONG COOPERATION FOR MUTUAL GAINS

Hosted by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, in collaboration with the African Union and organized by DEIK, the fifth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) brought together over 4,000 participants from 50 African countries in Istanbul this year. Held under the theme “Strengthening Türki ye-Africa Relations to Share Mutual Gains,” the forum featured an intensive two-day diplomatic and business agenda. Over 2,000 bilateral meetings, 9 panels, and 5 country presentations were held between government representatives and businesspeople.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: “WE HAVE TAKEN OUR RELATIONS TO A POINT THAT WAS UNIMAGINABLE”

Speaking at the closing of the forum, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the progress Türkiye has made with Africa over the past 20 years. “By declaring 2005 the ‘Year of Africa,’ we opened a new chapter in our relations with the continent,” Erdoğan said, expressing great satisfaction with the current state of the Türkiye-Africa strategic partnership.

In his speech, Erdoğan emphasized that the meetings held in Istanbul had created new opportunities for cooperation in many areas, from agriculture to energy, health to mining.

Stating that Türkiye’s strategic location, growing economy, and investment environment offered significant opportunities for African countries, he conveyed the message that “Türkiye’s doors are wide open to all investors.”

Reminding that preparations have begun for the 4th Türkiye-Af rica Partnership Summit to be held in 2025, Erdoğan said he believes this summit will give new momentum to efforts for the continent’s development.

SOUTH AFRICA: “COOPERATION WITH TÜRKIYE IS STRATEGIC FOR US”

Speaking at the forum, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile thanked Türkiye for its support during his country’s G20 Presidency, which it will assume in December 2024.

Mashatile stated that African countries would focus on topics such as disaster preparedness, support for low-income coun tries, energy transition, and integrating critical minerals into the economy. Emphasizing that Africa holds 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Mashatile said that technology and investment support were needed to increase the economic value of these resources within Africa.

TRADE MINISTER BOLAT: “THE TARGET IS A TRADE VOLUME OF $50 BILLION”

Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, shared the concrete results achieved by Türkiye’s opening to Africa. He noted that the number of Türkiye’s embassies in Africa has risen to 44 and that trade and economic cooperation agreements have been signed with 50 countries.

According to data shared by Bolat, Türkiye-Africa trade volume has increased sevenfold over the past 20 years, reaching $40 billion. Bolat stated that Türkiye has made investments in Africa across a wide range of sectors, from industry to agriculture, health to logistics, and said that new agreements were signed with many countries during the forum.

DEIK PRESIDENT OLPAK: “WE WANT MORE COOPERATION IN EVERY AREA”

DEIK President Nail Olpak emphasized the goal of increasing the current $37 billion trade volume between Türkiye and Africa to $50 billion, and then to $75 billion. Noting the importance of increasing cooperation in areas such as logistics, financing, banking, innovation, and the start-up ecosystem, Olpak stated that Turkish contractors could make a significant contribution to Africa’s infrastructure needs.

Olpak also noted that the 60,000 African students studying in Türkiye, guests visiting for medical tourism, and developing service sector relations have strengthened ties with the continent.

STRONG MESSAGE FROM AFRICA: “TÜRKIYE IS A RELIABLE PARTNER”

Dr. Amany Asfour, Chairman of the Africa Business Council, said that partnership with Türkiye is of strategic importance for the continent’s prosperity. Asfour stated that industrialization in African countries, where raw material exports remain limited, can be strengthened with Turkish investments.

African Union Commissioner Francisca Tatchouop Belobe drew attention to the continent’s rapidly changing demographic struc ture, reminding that 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa by 2050.

Belobe emphasized that “Türkiye is a trusted partner in Africa’s journey of transformation,” adding that the forum opened the doors to a new era for both sides.

TABEF 2025 PRESENTS A STRONG VISION FOR A SHARED FUTURE

The two-day forum, attended by over 4,000 participants, signaled new collaborations and long-term partnerships in Türkiye-Africa relations. The shared vision established in critical areas such as economy, investment, industry, energy, and innovation demon strates the construction of a more inclusive, balanced, and sus tainable business model between Türkiye and African countries.

With its growing participant profile and deepening agenda each year, the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economy Forum continues to shed light on the future of the strategic partnership between the two sides.