The Turkey–Africa investment partnership is entering a new phase, as both regions target $40 billion in bilateral trade and direct foreign investment (FDI) by 2025 — a major leap under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 strategic framework.
This announcement was made by AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining, Mrs. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, at the 5th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul.
“Africa and Turkey are ready to move from dialogue to delivery,” Belobe said. “Together, we are shaping an investment model based on mutual benefit, industrialisation, and shared growth.”
Outbound link → Anadolu Agency Coverage
🤝 A Decade of Growth in Turkey–Africa Relations
Since the launch of the Turkey–Africa Partnership Framework in 2008, bilateral trade has grown more than fivefold, reaching $40 billion in projected FDI and trade volume by 2025.
Turkey has established 43 embassies across Africa, and African nations have opened 37 embassies in Ankara, signalling strong political and commercial ties.
💶 Strategic Sectors Driving Turkey–Africa Investment
The Turkey–Africa investment partnership is focused on sectors that combine African growth potential with Turkish industrial expertise:
| Sector | Key Focus Areas | Impact for Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure & Construction | Ports, airports, housing, and transport corridors | Boosts logistics and employment |
| Energy & Renewables | Solar, hydro, and off-grid mini-grids | Expands access to clean power |
| Manufacturing & Textiles | Agro-processing, industrial zones | Strengthens value chains |
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | Hospitals, vaccine manufacturing | Enhances health resilience |
| Agribusiness | Irrigation systems, mechanisation | Improves food security and exports |
These sectors reflect Turkey’s shift from short-term contracting to long-term investment partnerships that support Africa’s industrialisation drive.
⚙️ Aligning With Africa’s Vision 2063 and AFC Priorities
The Turkey–Africa investment partnership aligns with broader initiatives like the AFC Infrastructure Financing: $1.5 Billion Boost for Africa’s Growth Pipeline and the EU–South Africa Investment Deal.
Both highlight the continent’s growing capacity to attract diverse international partners beyond traditional Western finance, ensuring competitive financing options for African infrastructure.
🚧 Flagship Projects Under the Turkey–Africa Investment Partnership
| Project Name | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa Airport Expansion | Ethiopia | Turkish contractors leading $300M modernisation project |
| Nairobi Industrial City | Kenya | Turkish firms building logistics and light manufacturing zones |
| Bamako Solar Initiative | Mali | 200MW solar plant financed through Turkish-African consortium |
| Lagos–Istanbul Textile Corridor | Nigeria/Turkey | Joint manufacturing programme linking both regions’ fashion sectors |
| Senegal Health Facilities Network | Senegal | New hospitals under Turkey–Africa healthcare cooperation fund |
Africa Business Pages: Turkey–Africa Forum Summary
🌱 From Aid to Partnership: A New Development Model
Unlike traditional donor frameworks, the Turkey–Africa investment partnership is built on mutual industrial participation, with Africa providing raw materials and markets, and Turkey contributing capital, technology, and expertise. This co-development model ensures sustainable value chains while reducing Africa’s dependency on imported finished goods.
💰 The Role of Private Sector and Diaspora Capital
Private Turkish firms — particularly in construction, energy, and manufacturing — are now partnering with African investors, including diaspora-owned enterprises, to co-finance new ventures. This follows similar blended-finance models seen in:
These examples illustrate how de-risking, local partnerships, and joint-venture structures are unlocking greater private-sector participation.
🧭 Economic Outlook
With Africa’s combined GDP expected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2030, the Turkey–Africa investment partnership could transform trade routes, supply chains, and industrial competitiveness across the continent.
Key outcomes include:
- $40 billion FDI target by 2025.
- 10 million new jobs in construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
- Enhanced export diversification beyond raw materials.
Reuters: Turkey Expands Africa Trade Relations
🚀 Building a Multipolar Future for Africa
The rise of the Turkey–Africa investment partnership signals a broader multipolar shift in Africa’s economic diplomacy. By welcoming capital from Turkey, the EU, Asia, and the Gulf, African nations are achieving investment diversification — strengthening autonomy and creating space for diaspora-driven innovation.
“This is Africa’s century of partnerships, not patronage,” Commissioner Belobe said. “We are ready to co-create our future.”
