Türkiye's Africa exports hit $13.3B on logistics, diplomatic push

Osman Aksoy, coordinator of the Foreign Economic Relations Board’s (DEIK) Türkiye-Africa Business Council, said the export performance has been "the most concrete proof of the solid foundation of the multidimensional economic ties between Türkiye and Africa." Turkish exports to Africa reached $13.3 billion in the first seven months of the year, marking a 12.6% increase from the same period last year, while July shipments jumped 16.3% to $2.3 billion.

Exports to Egypt surged 49.3% to $426.2 million in July and 26.1% to $2.3 billion over the January-July period. Shipments to South Africa climbed 8.3% last month to $66.9 million and 31.3% to $479 million over seven months, while Nigerian markets absorbed $60.2 million in July — up 7.5% — and $453.2 million since January, a 52.1% rise. Libya received $289 million in Turkish goods last month, up 22.4%, though exports to Morocco fell 24.8% to $277.5 million in July and Algerian shipments dropped 5.8% to $142.5 million.

Infrastructure and commercial diplomacy

Türkiye’s expanding logistics networks and long-term contracting projects have underpinned the trade momentum, Aksoy noted. "The momentum in the African market is the result of the commercial diplomacy we pursued for many years based on a win-win approach," he told Anadolu, adding that Turkish Airlines now serves over 60 destinations across the continent while diversified maritime container routes have accelerated delivery timelines. Massive infrastructure undertakings — including roads, ports, public housing, and airports — have simultaneously driven demand for Turkish machinery, equipment, and construction materials.

Sectoral strengths and strategic entry

The machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, automotive, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food, and construction materials sectors have played prominent roles in the export surge, Aksoy stated. He urged Turkish firms to pursue local production, joint investments, and flexible financing models to capitalize on opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria. "Libya’s energy, infrastructure, construction, electricity, healthcare, agriculture, and food industries, Tunisia’s textiles, automotive supply industry, machinery, chemicals, and technology, and Niger and the Sahel region’s energy, agriculture, food security, irrigation, mining, and infrastructure sectors present massive potential," he said. The Turkish Organized Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal region offers a gateway to previously untapped areas via Egypt’s Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa advantages.