• Türkiye aims to increase trade with Africa from $37 billion in 2024 to $40 billion by 2025, according to Trade Minister Ömer Bolat.
• Turkish contractors have completed over 2,000 projects worth nearly $100 billion across Africa, enhancing infrastructure and bilateral relations.
• The 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul convened over 4,000 participants to explore sectoral partnerships.

Trade between Türkiye and Africa reached $37 billion in 2024, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced at the 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul. According to the government official, the country's goal is to lift that figure to $40 billion by end of the year. This rapid expansion reflects deepening economic ties, as the trade volume is up significantly from just $5.4 billion in 2003. Bolat also noted that Turkish contractors have completed more than 2,000 projects worth nearly $100 billion in Africa, primarily in infrastructure, energy, and industry.

The two-day forum, held from October 16 to 17, 2025, brought together more than 4,000 business executives, policymakers, and investors from both Türkiye and Africa. Discussions focused on sectors such as agriculture, logistics, energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and digital trade, aiming to foster deeper commercial cooperation and mutual growth. However, challenges such as logistics bottlenecks, currency fluctuations, and credit access were also addressed to realize this goal.

In 2024, Türkiye’s exports to Africa totaled approximately $23 billion, while imports from the continent stood at $14 billion, according to World Bank and UNCTAD data. The continent’s fastest-growing trading partners for Türkiye include Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco. Sectors driving growth include machinery, construction equipment, textiles, and processed food products. Türkiye’s share of Africa’s total global trade is currently around 3%, indicating potential for significant expansion, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing exports.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang