A Growing Bond: Turkey's Expanding Ties with Africa
Turkey's strategic influences expand substantially across African nations
Over the past two decades, Turkey's connection with Africa has witnessed a remarkable expansion, encompassing diverse areas such as trade, defense, and cultural exchange. Here's an insightful look at the key aspects of this burgeoning partnership:
1. Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Growing Trade: Turkey's trade with Africa has surged substantially, with the trade volume increasing from $4.3 billion in 2002 to $36.6 billion by the end of 2024, marking an almost nine-fold increase[5].
- Economic Partnerships: Africa's vast natural resources and burgeoning consumer markets have drawn Turkey as a significant trade partner. Many African nations are seeking partnerships to diversify their economies[5].
2. Defense Cooperation
- Defense Agreements: Turkey has secured defense agreements with several African nations, including Somalia, Libya, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. These agreements have led to contracts for Turkish defense products, particularly drones[3].
- Military Training: Turkey offers military training to African states, enhancing their security capabilities and fostering closer defense ties[3][2].
3. Cultural and Soft Power Exchange
- Cultural Diplomacy: Turkey has employed soft power strategies, such as cultural exchange programs, education, and media collaborations, to strengthen its bonds with African nations[4].
- Diplomatic Engagement: High-level visits between Turkish and African officials have surpassed 500 in the past five years, demonstrating a strong diplomatic engagement[4].
4. Political and Strategic Cooperation
- Political Support: Turkey supports Africa's strategic role in global affairs, recognising its importance for Turkey's international standing[2].
- Collaboration in International Arenas: Turkey's outreach to Africa is also driven by its desire to enhance its status as a middle power on the global stage[2].
5. Context and Opportunities
- Attractive Market: Africa's young population and rich resources make it an appealing market for Turkish investments and trade[5].
- Collaboration with the EU: Turkey's improving relations with the EU present potential opportunities for collaborative projects in Africa, leveraging Turkey's unique position between Europe and Asia[2].
In summary, Turkey's deepening relationships with Africa reflect a strategic endeavour to strengthen economic, security, and cultural ties, while positioning itself as a significant player in the region.
- Agreements Galore: Turkey has signed various agreements with African countries, including trade and economic cooperation agreements with 49 nations, military framework agreements with 35 countries, and defense industry cooperation agreements with 29 countries.
- African Visits: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made the most visits to African countries among leaders.
- Africa's Rising Influence: Africa's global influence is growing due to economic development, regional integration, and foreign investment incentives.
- African Resources: Africa holds significant reserves of gold (40%), cobalt (60%), oil, and natural gas.
- Turk Eximbank's Investment: Turk Eximbank, Turkey's official export finance institution, became the African Finance Corporation's first non-African investor in December 2023.
- Global Interest: Interest in Africa is growing from countries like China, the U.S., the EU, India, and Gulf countries.
- Educational Initiatives: The Turkish Maarif Foundation educates around 25,000 students at more than 230 institutions in 27 African countries.
- Top Export Destinations: Egypt was Turkey's top African export destination in 2024, with exports of $3.5 billion, followed by Morocco with $3.1 billion and Libya with $2.5 billion.
- Turkey's burgeoning ties with Africa extend to the realm of education, with the Turkish Maarif Foundation educating approximately 25,000 students at over 230 institutions in 27 African countries.
- Ankara's interest in Africa is not limited to economic and defense cooperation; the weather conditions in various African regions could also be potential interests for future partnerships.
- In the realm of sports, the growing bond between Turkey and Africa might lead to increased athlete exchanges, training programs, or collaborative sporting events.
- The world takes notice of Turkey's expanding ties with Africa, as nations like China, the United States, the EU, India, and Gulf countries also express interest in strengthening their relations with the continent.
