Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s growing partnership with Africa and its unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic growth and mutual prosperity, as he addressed the closing ceremony of the 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF 2025), which has grown into a platform where discussions over the years have translated into tangible economic cooperation.
“Türkiye has built its relations with Africa on the vision of a long-term and sustainable future,” Erdogan emphasized.
“Over the past 20 years, hand in hand and heart to heart, we have elevated our relations to unprecedented levels. We are proud that our relations have reached a strategic partnership level through our joint efforts.”
The President recalled that Türkiye declared 2005 the “Year of Africa,” marking a turning point in its engagement with the continent.
“This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Türkiye’s observer status in the African Union.”
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s open investment environment and unique geographic position at the crossroads of three continents. “All our institutions, ministries and our presidential investment agency are ready to support anyone wishing to invest in our country peacefully and securely.”
A deep-rooted friendship
The President framed Türkiye-Africa relations as more than transactional, describing a shared history and deep cultural ties.
“We have a friendship and dialogue with the African continent dating back to the 10th century. From Timbuktu to Haram, from Cairo to Cape Town, our ties have left indelible traces. I have personally made over 50 visits to African countries and was the first head of government to visit Mogadishu in 2011 after many years,” Erdogan said.
“Every visit, in every country I went to, I felt like I was in my own home, in my own country, not in a foreign land.”
President Erdogan shared a heartfelt reflection of his many visits across the continent. Over the past decade, he has become one of the world leaders with the highest number of official visits to African nations.
Trade, investment and strategic projects
President Erdogan detailed Türkiye’s robust economic footprint in Africa and the tangible results of this partnership, while highlighting that Turkish contractors have undertaken more than 2,000 projects valued at $97 billion, while Turkish investments now exceed $15 billion, generating employment for over 100,000 Africans.
Türkiye maintains business councils with 49 African countries and commercial consultancy offices in 31 nations. Trade volume, which stood at a modest $5.4 billion in 2003, surged to nearly $40 billion by the end of 2024.
Connectivity has been a key pillar of this growth, with Turkish Airlines now flying to 64 destinations in 42 African countries, facilitating commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“The extraordinary momentum we have achieved contributes to the prosperity of both Türkiye and African nations,” Erdogan said, stressing that mutual gain remains the central principle of the economic relationship.
Education, culture, and humanitarian engagement
Erdogan emphasized that the partnership extends beyond commerce into education, development and culture. “Through Türkiye Scholarships, the Maarif Foundation, TİKA, the Diyanet Foundation, and various NGOs, we continue to support African friends in education and development.”
He also highlighted the Africa Culture House in Ankara, established under the auspices of First Lady Emine Erdogan, which for nine years has served as a vibrant hub for showcasing the continent’s rich heritage in Türkiye.
This year’s Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum TABEF 2025, focused on practical economic cooperation and strategic sectors including agriculture, textiles, energy, healthcare, logistics, mining, pharmaceuticals and the digital economy, reflecting the evolving and sophisticated nature of the cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, President Erdogan encapsulated the spirit of the alliance quoting an African proverb: “If you want to travel fast, go alone. But if you are aiming for long ranges, walk together. In this spirit, we have built our relations on a vision of sustainable, long-term partnership.”
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Africa: “Türkiye will continue walking alongside Africa toward a common future. Our shared history, strategic collaboration and mutual respect form the foundation of a partnership that is both heartfelt and forward-looking.”
The 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum marked a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s engagement with Africa, reinforcing diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties while setting the stage for a new era of long-term partnership, inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
With over 4,000 business leaders, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the African continent in attendance, the two-day forum served as a crucial platform to discuss deepening trade, investment, and cultural ties between Türkiye and Africa.
The event saw the participation of senior figures including South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council, Nail Olpak, President of DEİK, and Türkiye’s Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat.
