Turkey's growing economic cooperation with African countries within the framework of its win-win strategy helped increase exports to the continent, reaching 8.4 billion USD in the January-May period of the current year, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year, according to official trade data cited by Daily Sabah.
The positive trade momentum reflects Turkey's “Strategy for Improving Trade and Economic Relations with African Countries“, which aims to deepen ties in political, cultural and economic spheres. The strategy also encourages mutual investments and expands Turkish participation in sectors such as construction, energy, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.
Turkey has also expanded its cooperation with Africa in the defense industry. Leading Turkish companies such as Baykar, Aselsan, Tusaş and Nurol Holding are reporting increasing demand for their products on the continent. These defense partnerships and related initiatives continue to strengthen bilateral trade.
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), Turkey's total exports to African countries increased by 1.7% in 2024, reaching USD 19.4 billion. Egypt was Turkey's top African export destination last year with USD 3.5 billion, followed by Morocco with USD 3.1 billion and Libya with USD 2.5 billion.
Between January and May this year, Morocco again led with imports from Turkey worth USD 1.5 billion, followed by Egypt with USD 1.3 billion and Libya with USD 1.1 billion. USD.
Trade relations with Morocco have deepened in recent years. Turkish contractors have completed construction projects worth approximately USD 4.3 billion in the country. Under the current free trade agreement between the two countries, efforts are being made to further strengthen cooperation.
Turkey's main exports to Morocco include motor vehicles, electrical machinery and equipment, as well as mineral fuels and oils. As Morocco is considered a “priority opportunity country“ for Turkish investors, bilateral trade is expected to accelerate further in line with the “win-win” principle.
Egypt remains Turkey's most important trading partner in Africa, aiming to reach a trade volume of USD 15 billion. Key export sectors for Egypt include machinery, mechanical appliances, mineral fuels, oils, iron and steel. Turkish companies have established a strong presence in the country, especially in the textile, electronics and household industries.
Turkey has also expanded its defense cooperation with several African countries, including Libya, Somalia, Niger, Chad and Sudan. Under a 2019 memorandum of understanding on military and security cooperation, Turkey continues to provide military training and consulting services to Libya.
Turkey has also exported armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Niger, Mali and Ethiopia, and supplied armored vehicles to Gambia, Uganda and Kenya.
The “AFEX’25“Africa Business Forum and Exhibition, which opened in Istanbul on Wednesday and continues on Thursday, aims to further strengthen economic and sectoral cooperation between Turkey and African countries.