Türkiye - Africa Business and Economy Forum has been held periodically since 2016 after decisions taken within the scope of the II. Türkiye - Africa Partnership Summit took place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in November 2014.
Based on the results of previous successful forums, IV. Türkiye – Africa Business and Economy Forum will take place on 12-13 October 2023 in Istanbul.
The Forum aims to support large-scale, sustainable, and inclusive growth and development by providing a platform where prominent representatives of the public and private sectors from Türkiye and Africa can share their suggestions for developing the private sector and establishing innovative Public-Private Partnerships based on their experience.
The Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the African Union Commission expect to increase the success of the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economy Forum, which will be held for the fourth time this year, and to increase the opportunities for cooperation in the near future. IV. The Türkiye-Africa Business and Economy Forum focuses on priority economic sectors by considering Türkiye and Africa's common interests while identifying opportunities and addressing challenges to establish stronger economic partnerships between Türkiye and African countries.
Under the main theme of “Addressing Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities: Building Stronger Türkiye-Africa Economic Partnerships”, the Forum will pave the way for a discussion that will address the trade barriers, infrastructure, financing, and regulatory measures to overcome the challenges in Türkiye-Africa cooperation. In addition, the Forum will encourage participants to exchange ideas on strategies to strengthen collaboration in increased trade and investment.
The Forum will also be beneficial in identifying innovative approaches, policies, and initiatives that can reveal the potential of partnership between Türkiye and Africa, leading to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
The importance of synergy in the agricultural industry, health and tourism sectors is obvious for more efficient cooperation between Türkiye and African countries and for increasing welfare on both sides, thus establishing economic diversity. The topics expected to come to the fore during the Forum are agriculture, infrastructure, health services and sustainable tourism practices.
Agriculture, the backbone of the African economy, has a great potential for progress in cooperation with the Turkish agricultural business sector, which still offers the best quality products to many parts of the world with its knowledge and high production capacity.
The partnership opportunities between Türkiye and African countries, which will be envisaged in the field of infrastructure, continue to be critical for realizing the enormous development potential of Africa.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world of the centrality of efficient healthcare. African countries need to improve this vital sector's facilities, equipment, staff capacity, and service quality. For this reason, Türkiye's experience in constructing and managing public and private health facilities and producing health equipment is essential.
The Forum will also allow participants to explore ways to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation. Sustainable tourism practices, cultural exchanges, and investment opportunities in the tourism sector will be topics from which the parties can benefit.