Türkiye has strengthened its economic footprint in Africa, with business investments surpassing $2.3 billion and creating 35,000 jobs across the continent, according to Trade Minister Ömer Bolat.
Speaking at the World Cooperation Industries Forum in Istanbul, Bolat said Turkish contractors have completed over 2,300 projects in Africa worth $97.5 billion — nearly one-fifth of all their overseas work. Key sectors include machinery, chemicals, automotive, agriculture, and steel products.
He noted that Türkiye’s trade with Africa rose from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $36.5 billion in 2024, with exports reaching $21.8 billion and imports totaling $15 billion. “Africa is just a short flight away, and our ties go beyond trade, covering diplomacy, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he said.
Bolat highlighted the rapid expansion of Türkiye’s diplomatic presence — growing from 12 embassies in 2003 to 44, with plans for 50 — and the role of Turkish Airlines in connecting African cities to global destinations.
In 2023, Türkiye’s service exports to Africa hit $6 billion, while 1.5 million African tourists visited Türkiye last year. “We aim to deepen our partnerships with Africa’s 54 nations, especially its 26 Muslim-majority countries,” Bolat added.