Fifth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum opens in Istanbul

The fifth edition of the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) has opened in Istanbul, marking another significant step in deepening economic relations between Türkiye and African nations. Organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) in collaboration with the African Union and hosted by the Turkish Trade Ministry, the forum operates under the theme "Leveraging Türkiye-Africa Relations for Mutual Gains."

Forum Scope and Key Sectors

The two-day gathering focuses on multiple sectors where Turkish and African businesses can enhance cooperation, including agriculture and food security, renewable energy, mining, automotive, textiles, transport and logistics, construction, defense, and digital technologies. Panel discussions will explore competitive textile value chains, financing Africa's infrastructure requirements, pharmaceutical production, logistics hubs, women's entrepreneurship, food security, energy, mining, civil aviation, and digital trade.

High-Level Participation

The forum has attracted significant political leadership, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan scheduled to attend alongside African Union Chair and Angolan President João Lourenço and his wife Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is also participating, alongside Turkish ministers responsible for trade, health, family and social services, and agriculture and forestry.

Broad International Attendance

The event has drawn numerous African finance, trade, and economy ministers alongside AU Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining Commissioner Francisca Tatchouop Belobe. DEIK Chair Nail Olpak and DEIK Türkiye-Africa Business Councils Coordination Chair Fuat Tosyalı are also participating in the forum, which concludes on Friday and aims to produce concrete outcomes for enhancing Türkiye-Africa economic partnership.