Trade between Turkey and Africa has been steadily increasing for several years. Indeed, according to the Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yasin Ekrem Serim, these exchanges increased eightfold between 2003 and 2022, reaching a volume of 40.7 billion dollars. This significant increase is partly explained by the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Turkey and the African continent.
In 2013, Turkey adopted a policy of partnership with Africa, which resulted in the increase in the number of Turkish embassies on the continent, from 12 in 2012 to 44 today. Likewise, many sub-Saharan African countries have opened embassies in Turkey, reflecting the growing interest of both sides in strengthening their trade relations.
Turkey sees Africa as a rising value of the 21st century, with its cultural accumulation and enormous economic potential. With this in mind, it has set ambitious goals, aiming for a total trade volume of $50 billion by the end of 2023, then $75 billion thereafter.
Turkish exports to Africa also saw notable growth, reaching $21.2 billion in 2021 and $23.6 billion in 2022. Turkish imports from Africa amounted to $9.5 billion. dollars in 2022.
This expansion of trade between Turkey and Africa is a positive sign of the growing economic cooperation between the two sides. It demonstrates the importance of Africa as a strategic trading partner for Turkey and opens new opportunities for mutual development in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism.
In conclusion, trade between Turkey and Africa has grown spectacularly in recent years. This development is the result of the strengthening of diplomatic ties and the establishment of a partnership policy between the two parties. This increase in trade opens new economic prospects for Turkey and Africa, and reinforces their status as privileged trading partners in the global context.