Türkiye's trade with Africa grows on back of ‘win-win' strategy

Türkiye's trade with Africa is on the rise with the country's “win-win” strategy aimed at strengthening political, cultural, and economic relations with African countries through mutual investments.

Türkiye's “Developing Commercial and Economic Relations with African Countries” strategy aims to foster cooperation between the business communities of Türkiye and African countries in sectors such as contracting, energy, health, and agriculture.

Ankara has also transferred its defense industry success to Africa, with growing exports from Turkish defense firms including Baykar, Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries , and Nurol Holding. These exports, along with various projects, organizations, and activities, contribute to expanding trade between Türkiye and the African continent.

Turkish exports to African countries rose 1.7% year-on-year in 2024, reaching $19.4 billion. Egypt was the top recipient, with $3.5 billion in imports from Türkiye, followed by Morocco with $3.1 billion and Libya with $2.5 billion, according to data from the Turkish Exporters' Assembly.

In the January–May period of 2025, Turkish exports reached $8.4 billion, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year.

Morocco received the highest volume of Turkish exports during the first five months of the year, totaling $1.5 billion, followed by Egypt with $1.3 billion and Libya with $1.1 billion.

Turkish contractors in Morocco have completed construction projects worth $4.3 billion to date. Efforts are ongoing to further enhance bilateral cooperation under the Free Trade Agreement.

Motor vehicles, electrical machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, and oils are among the leading sectors in Türkiye's trade with Morocco. Trade between the two countries is expected to grow under the ongoing “win-win” approach.

Meanwhile, Türkiye is targeting a trade volume of $15 billion with Egypt, its most significant trading partner in Africa.

Machinery, mechanical equipment and tools, mineral fuels, oils, and iron and steel comprise the largest sectors in Türkiye–Egypt trade. Turkish companies operating in Egypt are active in the textile, electronics, and home appliance industries.

Regarding Türkiye's trade with Libya, a memorandum of understanding on security and military cooperation was signed between the two countries in 2019.

Türkiye also exports unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to African countries such as Niger, Mali, and Ethiopia, and armored vehicles to Gambia, Uganda, and Kenya.

- Turkish, African business communities meet

The AFEX'25 Africa Business Forum and Expo starts Wednesday in Istanbul, bringing together Turkish and African business communities to establish partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, construction, health, finance, and technology.

The event will host public officials, investors, businesspeople, and civil society representatives from across Africa, with a focus on cooperation opportunities on the continent and in third countries.

In November, the G20 Leaders' Summit will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa.