ANKARA (KAAB TV) – The upcoming Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), scheduled for October 16–17 in Istanbul, is poised to significantly strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between Turkey and African nations.
The event, organized under the auspices of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK), is expected to serve as a major platform for deepening economic cooperation and fostering sustainable partnerships.
According to Nail Olpak, Chairman of DEİK, the volume of trade between Turkey and Africa is projected to surpass $35 billion by the end of 2025, with a long-term target of reaching $40 billion in the near term, and $50 billion to $70 billion in subsequent phases.
Strong Trade Performance in 2025
From January to August 2025, Turkey’s exports to Africa reached $14.6 billion, while imports from African countries totaled $7.7 billion, reflecting a solid trade performance and a growing demand for mutual economic engagement.
Turkey’s key exports to Africa during this period included:
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Machinery and equipment
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Iron and steel products
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Automobiles and spare parts
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Electrical appliances
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Plastic goods
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Food products, including flour, confectionery, and cooking oil
On the other hand, Turkey’s major imports from Africa comprised:
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Energy resources
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Automobiles and automotive components
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Cocoa and agricultural commodities
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Raw minerals and ores
In 2024, total Turkish imports from Africa had reached $11.3 billion, indicating increasing economic interdependence.
Diversifying Trade and Targeting New Markets
Chairman Olpak emphasized the importance of diversifying Turkey’s export markets in Africa, which have historically centered around North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.
Turkey now aims to broaden its economic footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa by focusing on emerging economies and new trade hubs.
“It is essential that we increase the variety of goods we export and move away from an export structure that is overly concentrated in a few countries,” Olpak stated. “This strategy will ensure more balanced and sustainable trade relations.”
He highlighted key sectors expected to drive the next phase of economic collaboration:
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Green and renewable energy
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Infrastructure and urban development
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Agriculture and food security
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Health technologies
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Digital economy and e-commerce
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Apparel and textile industries
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Defense and contracting services
Strategic Agenda and Development Goals
Olpak also elaborated on Turkey’s broader strategy in Africa, which is built on mutual benefit, sustainable development, and long-term cooperation.
Key priorities on the strategic agenda include:
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Expansion of Turkish Eximbank’s financing options for trade and investment
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Promotion of free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties
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Enhanced participation in Africa’s defense and infrastructure sectors
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Increasing scholarships and educational opportunities for African students in Turkey
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Support for logistics hubs and local manufacturing collaborations across African nations
“Turkey’s approach is not just limited to North Africa,” he added. “We are actively expanding into Sub-Saharan Africa through logistics centers and local production partnerships, ensuring that Turkish products are increasingly visible and accessible in African domestic markets.”
High-Level Participation and Expectations
The 2025 forum is expected to witness strong political and business participation, including:
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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan
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Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat
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Senior government officials and business leaders from over 50 African countries
Over 4,000 business representatives from Turkey and all African countries are anticipated to attend the forum, which will feature bilateral business meetings, panel discussions, sector-specific workshops, and investment forums.
The priority sectors to be discussed at TABEF include:
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Agriculture and food processing
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Renewable energy
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Mining and natural resources
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Automotive industry
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Textiles and apparel
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Transport and logistics
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Defense and security
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Digital technologies and innovation
The Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum continues to play a crucial role in shaping a mutually beneficial and future-oriented partnership between Turkey and African nations, aligned with global development goals and regional integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).