TÜRKİYE - AFRICA
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC FORUM

H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye

“As We Reconnected with Our African Brothers and Sisters, We Sought to Advance Our Cooperation on the Basis of Equal Partnership and Mutual Benefit”

As the Turkish nation, we share deep-rooted historical ties with the peoples of Africa, extending back as far as the 10th century. Centuries-old mosques, libraries, caravanserais, and ports built in various African cities stand as enduring symbols of our long-standing friendship. Traces of our shared history can be found across the continent - from Sudan to Libya, from Harar to Timbuktu. It is a well-documented fact that many Ottoman citizens of African descent fought shoulder to shoulder with our ancestors in the defense of the homeland during the First World War. Moreover, our War of Independence served as a source of courage and inspiration for many African nations in their own struggles for freedom - another historical truth we proudly acknowledge.

The level of engagement we had with many African countries in the past did not do justice to either us or our African friends. To address this, we launched the Strategy for the Development of Trade and Economic Relations with African Countries in 2003. In 2005, we declared the Year of Africa in Türkiye, thereby ushering in a new era in our relations with the continent.

As we reconnected with our African brothers and sisters, we made a concerted effort to build our cooperation on the foundations of equal partnership and mutual gain. We resolutely rejected condescending perspectives toward the continent. Instead, we prioritized empathy, mutual understanding, and eye-level engagement with our African partners. As a nation free from any colonial legacy, we embraced all African peoples without discrimination.

Our trade volume with the continent, which stood at $5.4 billion in 2003, had reached nearly $41 billion by the end of last year. The total value of our direct investments in Africa has exceeded $10 billion. Turkish companies play a vital role in addressing the continent's infrastructural needs across a wide range of sectors, including energy, construction, agriculture, white goods, and food.

God willing, through the actions we take and the decisions we make today, we will leave a lasting mark on the future of Türkiye-Africa relations.

H.E. Azali ASSOUMANI - Chairperson of the African Union & President of the Union of Comoros (TBC)

“We must make Africa a continent of hope”

Türkiye's Africa Strategy became a strategic partnership between Türkiye and Africa. The parties should focus on increasing trade and investments at this point.

We see that Africa needs huge investments in infrastructure and energy. We trust Türkiye to transfer its experience to the private sector in the continent.

We must make Africa a continent of hope and reiterate our call to work together to do so.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Ömer BOLAT, Minister of Trade of The Republic of Türkiye

"We Aspire to Advance Together with African Nations as Equal Partners"

Under the auspices and with the support of our President, the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forums-held biennially and originally conceived through his initiative in 2016-will continue to be convened in the coming years with this guiding principle. Since the launch of the Strategy for the Development of Trade and Economic Relations with African Countries in 2003, Türkiye has undertaken resolute efforts to enhance its relations with Africa on the basis of mutual benefit and a win-win philosophy.

Türkiye’s longstanding historical stance, which has never included a colonial mindset, combined with the deep sense of empathy our nation holds for the oppressed and disadvantaged, serves as a key compass in shaping our engagement with the African continent. At no point in our history have we, as a nation, pursued prosperity through the exploitation of another society’s natural resources, labor, or dignity. This enduring ethical approach continues to guide us today, as we aim to build inclusive and sustainable development partnerships with African countries based on equality and mutual respect.

Türkiye remains committed to the principle that “Africa’s future shall be determined by Africans themselves”, and will steadfastly continue to stand with African nations on international platforms and in global decision-making processes.

H.E. Amb. Albert M. MUCHANGA, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals

The Forum aims to establish new partnerships and deepen unity, and it is an indicator of Türkiye-Africa unity and support of peace and stability in Africa. The African free trade zone offers great opportunities for Turkish investors.

In order to increase the import and export of products and services, the necessary financial instruments should be established in Africa.

Partnerships should be established between the private sectors.

Mr. Nail OLPAK, President of Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK)

“We Are Working Resolutely to Strengthen Trade and Investment; Our Goal Is to First Reach $50 Billion, Then $75 Billion in Trade Volume”

At the 4th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), we had the honor of hosting one guest President, Ministers from 24 African countries, the Commissioner and Business Council Chair of the African Union Commission, 32 Ambassadors, 19 heads of business organizations, and 3,900 Turkish and African businesspeople—1,700 of whom came from Africa. Over the course of the forum, a total of 9,800 bilateral business meetings were held.

We are working resolutely to enhance our trade and investment relations. Our trade volume with Africa will first reach $50 billion, and then $75 billion. To achieve these ambitious targets, several areas are of strategic importance: resolving visa-related challenges; signing agreements on the prevention of double taxation; concluding bilateral investment protection and promotion agreements; establishing free trade agreements (FTAs); expanding banking and financial services; and advancing cooperation in technology and start-up ecosystems.

Our guiding principle is clear: the win-win approach.

At a time when trade and energy corridors are being reshaped, and when green transformation, digitalization, and social innovation are gaining momentum, the global agenda is also marked by trade wars and emerging protectionist barriers. Within this evolving context, the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), through its 152 Business Councils—including 48 dedicated to Africa—continues its efforts in the realm of Commercial Diplomacy with unwavering commitment and strategic foresight.