** The ascent of trade between Turkey and Africa: a new economic chapter **
In recent years, trade relations between Turkey and Africa have taken a strategic turning point, and the data of the year 2024 corroborate it. Witness the recent announcements of the assembly of exporters of Turkey (TIM), which reports an increase in Turkish exports to the African continent, reaching $ 19.4 billion, a modest but significant increase of 1.7 % compared to At 2023. This figure, although promising, is only the iceberg floating on the surface of an economic dynamic in full mutation.
### An analysis compares economic partnerships
To better understand the magnitude of this growth, it is interesting to step back and compare it with other countries with strong economic growth on the continent. While Turkey has managed to develop a long -term commitment strategy, other nations like China have also imposed themselves with legitimacy in Africa. In 2020, Chinese exports to Africa reached nearly $ 200 billion, based on a model based on massive infrastructure investments. Turkey, on the other hand, stands out for a qualitative approach, where emphasis is on strengthening diplomatic relations while increasing the added value of its exported products.
The position of Egypt, with spectacular growth of 21.8% of Turkish imports, highlights a return to normalization of diplomatic relations. This reminds us that behind each economic exchange, complex political contexts are hiding. This fact underlines the importance of interstate relations in the shaping of trade relations. On the other hand, countries like Ghana, whose Turkish imports have exploded by almost 49.6 %, testify to an increasing interest in diversified and technologically advanced products.
### Activity sectors: revealing a strategy
The sectoral distribution of Turkish exports to Africa is indicative of a well -thought -out strategy. The chemical sector, representing $ 3.1 billion, indicates a search for added value, while steel (2 billion USD) and the automotive industry (USD 1.4 billion) reflect a capacity to meet the needs of growing industrialization of the continent. This resonates all the more in a context where African governments strengthen their efforts to promote industrialization in order to diversify their economies, often too dependent on raw materials.
Indeed, the African market is in full emergence. Economic reforms across the continent, especially in West Africa, promoting a more attractive investment climate, offer an interesting platform for Turkish companies wishing to set up sustainably. The technology market, in particular, represents a strong expansion sector, with a marked interest in start-ups and disruptive innovations. Turkish influence could play a key role in this flourishing sector in the coming years.
### Economic diplomacy: a power instrument
Turkish vice-president, Cevdet Yılmaz, underlined this in his statements, the African policy of Turkey enabled an exponential increase in his economic relations with the continent. The diplomatic framework implemented, with the holding of several summits dedicated to cooperation, can be seen as a model to follow for other nations seeking to set up in Africa. African countries are looking for mutually beneficial partnerships, and Turkey seems to understand this dynamic by promoting infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of host countries.
### A promising future and challenges to overcome
The trajectory of Turkish exports suggests a promising future. However, it would be recklessly to be united on the linear nature of this growth. The African commercial landscape is dotted with obstacles such as political crises, customs barriers or even sometimes insufficient infrastructure. For Turkey, maintaining the CAP will require constant adaptability and a strategy of empowerment towards local partnerships.
In conclusion, the ascent of Turkish exports to Africa could be perceived as a sign of economic renaissance on the continent. Whether it is access to virgin markets or the opportunity to participate in the industrialization of countries with high potential, the issues are multiple and fruitful. However, the key to this development is based on a long-term commitment and an in-depth understanding of local socio-economic contexts. If Turkey manages to skillfully navigate these complex waters, it may well establish itself as a key player on the African continent.
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This article was written for Fatshimetrics, in order to inform our readers about the significant evolution of the Turkish presence in Africa and its implications for the global market.