Türkiye has hailed Africa’s vast investment potential, entrepreneurial energy, and people-centred business culture, calling the continent a rising frontier for mutually beneficial trade and growth.
Speaking during the Türkiye-Africa Economic Forum, Mustafa Durgut, a senior Turkish investor and long-time Africa business operator, currently country director at Favori in Somalia, praised African nations for their “trust-based business culture,” growing infrastructure, and young, skilled population that continues to attract investors from Türkiye and beyond.
“Africa is full of opportunity. The people are hardworking, welcoming, and open to partnerships. Once they trust you, everything becomes easier,” he said, describing his two decades of experience on the continent.
He noted that Turkish businesses are increasingly seeing Africa not merely as a market, but as an investment partner, with many Turkish companies now embedded in local economies across multiple sectors including construction, energy, aviation, and port management.
Over the last two decades, Türkiye’s engagement with Africa has expanded dramatically. Durgut, who has participated in the TABEF forum four times, said each edition reflects growing momentum. “Every single time, more delegations come. More trade opportunities are created. Relationships grow stronger,” he said. “These forums help Turkish investors understand the reality of Africa and you cannot do business unless you truly understand Africa.”
He emphasised that in African markets, business relationships are personal and founded on trust. “You cannot do business online,” he said with a smile. “You need to be there. You need to talk to people face-to-face and convince them you’re capable. Once that trust is built, the rest follows.”
Overcoming misconceptions about Africa
Despite Africa’s strong economic growth and rising investor confidence, Durgut acknowledged lingering misconceptions about insecurity and risk. “Some investors are frightened because they don’t know Africa,” he said. “But most of Africa is peaceful, stable, and open to investment. Once people visit, they realize how welcoming Africans are.”
He added that the continent’s biggest asset is its human capital. “In many Turkish investments across Africa, 90 to 95 percent of the workforce is local,” he said. “That means job creation, knowledge transfer, and empowerment. Africa has quality people. That’s what makes business successful.”
Mutual gains and a two-way trade vision
Türkiye’s trade with Africa has grown steadily, with bilateral trade volumes surpassing $40 billion in recent years.
Durgut pointed to improved air connectivity and visa policies as major enablers of this partnership. “Today, Turkish Airlines flies to more than 40 African destinations,” he said. “Fifteen years ago, getting a visa to visit an African country could take weeks. Now, most are accessible online or upon arrival. It’s a huge change.”
As Türkiye looks to deepen its engagement with Africa, the message from Istanbul was clear: the partnership is based on mutual respect, shared growth, and trust.
“This is not a one-way relationship,” the investor concluded. “It is about learning, sharing, and building together. The future of Türkiye and Africa lies in partnership - and that future is bright.”
