Expanding Turkish Influence in Africa Across Multiple Fronts Strengthens
Turkey's ties with Africa have witnessed a significant expansion over the past two decades, encompassing economic, political, military, and cultural dimensions with growing depth and complexity.
Economic Ties
Turkey's trade volume with African countries has surged, increasing nearly ninefold from approximately $4.3 billion in 2002 to around $36.6 billion by the end of 2024. Turkish investments in Africa have followed a similar trajectory, rising from $67 million in 2003 to about $10 billion in 2024. Turkish contractors have completed over 2,000 projects worth $97 billion across the continent, including critical infrastructure management and investments in Ethiopia totalling over $2 billion [3][2].
Trade Agreements and Partnerships
Notable agreements include Turkey's involvement as the first non-African shareholder in the African Finance Corporation since December 2023, signalling deeper financial integration. Turkish Airlines' extensive network flies to 62 cities in 41 African countries, enhancing connectivity and business ties [3].
Military Cooperation
Military cooperation has become a strategic pillar of Turkey-Africa relations. Turkey maintains a military base (TURKSOM) in Somalia to train Somali forces and signed a defense pact in 2024 formalizing maritime security cooperation and granting Turkey resource exploration rights. Turkey has sold Bayraktar TB2 drones to Ethiopia and Somalia, marking it as a key defense partner. However, these military engagements have drawn criticism due to concerns about human rights and regional stability [2][5].
Political Relations
Turkey seeks to be recognised as a middle power with global influence. Its approach combines pragmatic economic interests with geopolitical aims, aiming to increase its international relevance through engagement with African states. This includes political support, diplomatic missions, and a "no strings attached" aid policy, boosting its influence and appeal to African countries [1][2][5].
Cultural and Educational Programs
Around 62,000 African students studied in Turkey by the end of 2024 through the Türkiye Scholarships program. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) operates 22 representative offices across Africa. The Yunus Emre Institute promotes Turkish language and culture via 18 centers in 15 countries, while the Turkish Maarif Foundation educates about 25,000 students across more than 230 institutions in 27 African countries [3].
In summary, Turkey's Africa policy is multi-dimensional, focusing on trade, investment, military cooperation, political diplomacy, and cultural exchange. This approach strengthens Turkey's footprint on the continent while navigating complex legacies and regional sensitivities. Turkish-African relations are dynamic and expanding but also occasionally controversial, especially in military and security engagements [1][2][3][5].
- Turkey's cultural and educational exchanges with African countries are extensive, with over 62,000 African students studying in the country through the Türkiye Scholarships program and the Yunus Emre Institute promoting Turkish language and culture across 18 centers in 15 countries [3].
- Weather-permitting, sports enthusiasts in Africa may have the opportunity to witness competitions featuring athletes from Turkey, as Turkish sports agencies have expanded their presence on the continent by establishing partnerships and building facilities [2].
- Ankara continues to seek education opportunities for African students, with Turkey's Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) operating 22 representative offices across Africa [3].
- Despite turbulent periods in the relationship, Turkey and Africa maintain a strong focus on defense and security collaboration, with Turkey selling Bayraktar TB2 drones to Ethiopia and Somalia and signing a defense pact formalizing maritime security cooperation [2][5].
