Trade between Türkiye and Africa reached a record $37 billion in 2024, with Ankara targeting $40 billion by 2025, according to Trade Minister Omer Bolat.
Speaking at the 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum on Thursday in Istanbul, Bolat highlighted the growing strength of economic and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and African nations despite global economic headwinds and protectionist trade policies.
He noted that Turkish contractors have executed over 2,000 development projects worth nearly $100 billion across the continent, significantly contributing to Africa’s infrastructure and economic transformation. Bolat also underscored Türkiye’s “win-win” approach, which prioritises equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships across trade, investment, and culture.
The two-day forum, organised by Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations Board in collaboration with the African Union, brought together thousands of delegates, including six Turkish ministers and nearly 3,000 African business leaders. Discussions are centred on building resilient trade networks in sectors such as energy, mining, food security, logistics, civil aviation, and digital manufacturing.
Bolat commended Turkish Airlines for connecting Africa to the world through 62 destinations in over 40 countries, while Turkish aid agencies, including TIKA, continue to spearhead cultural and humanitarian projects across the continent. The event reaffirmed Türkiye’s ambition to deepen its presence in Africa as a strategic trade partner and development ally.