In a transformative year, Africa and Türkiye have achieved unprecedented milestones in their diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships. Throughout 2024, both regions have deepened their strategic relationship, which has been steadily evolving for over two decades. This year’s achievements highlight a shared commitment to growth, stability, and mutual prosperity.
Diplomatic Bonds: A Year of Engagement
The year 2024 witnessed significant diplomatic activities, with key African leaders visiting Türkiye to reinforce bilateral relations. Notable visits included those by Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Sudan’s Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. A historic milestone was Tanzania’s first presidential visit to Türkiye in 14 years, which focused on enhancing trade and exploring future cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation in international forums, including the BRICS Leaders Summit in Kazan, Russia, and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, paved the way for deeper multilateral collaboration on crucial issues like climate change, security, and technological advancements.
Economic Growth and Partnership
The economic partnership between Türkiye and African nations has flourished in 2024. Turkish companies have made substantial investments across various sectors on the continent. In Tanzania, Turkish firms embarked on 14 major projects valued at $6.4 billion. The formation of the Türkiye-Tanzania Business Forum was a significant step towards fostering continuous economic collaboration.
Turkish financial institutions and construction firms, such as Ziraat Katilim and Summa, have played pivotal roles in Africa’s infrastructure and financial development. Ziraat Katilim’s establishment of a branch in Somalia marked a historic move, being the first international financial institution to open in the country in five decades. Additionally, Summa’s work in renovating Rwanda’s Amahoro Stadium and Yapı Merkezi’s major railway projects in Uganda and Tanzania have significantly contributed to enhancing the continent’s connectivity and economic stability.
Türkiye’s initiatives in technology transfer within renewable energy, telecommunications, and agriculture sectors are driving industrial and technological advancements across Africa. These collaborations are essential for Africa’s economic transformation and long-term growth.
Security and Stability Contributions
In 2024, Türkiye’s contributions to African security have been substantial. Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, supporting counterterrorism efforts and helping stabilize the Sahel region. Türkiye has also provided helicopters to Nigeria to reinforce its national security capabilities.
A significant diplomatic success for Türkiye was mediating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, leading to a landmark peace agreement signed in Ankara. This mediation effort received international commendation and underscored Türkiye’s growing role in fostering regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, Türkiye’s involvement in peacekeeping operations across Africa has strengthened security in conflict-prone regions. Turkish experts have provided training and resources to support African Union missions and other regional initiatives aimed at reducing violence and promoting stability.
Humanitarian and Development Support
The Türkiye-Africa partnership has thrived in the humanitarian and development sectors. Türkiye’s development agency, TIKA, and humanitarian organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent have addressed critical challenges in health, education, and economic empowerment across Africa. With 22 offices on the continent, TIKA has been instrumental in implementing sustainable development projects.
Turkish institutions have established hospitals, schools, and vocational training centers in countries like South Sudan and Somalia, providing essential services to local communities. These efforts extend beyond traditional aid, with a strong focus on capacity-building and local empowerment. Türkiye has been actively involved in training healthcare workers, improving agricultural practices, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with necessary resources and technical assistance, fostering sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
Diplomatic Expansion and Cultural Exchange
Diplomatic ties between Africa and Türkiye have expanded significantly, with the number of Turkish embassies in Africa increasing from 12 in 2002 to 44 by 2022. This expansion has been mirrored by a corresponding rise in African embassies in Ankara, indicating growing political and economic cooperation.
Cultural and educational exchanges have also strengthened these ties. Institutions like the Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish Maarif Foundation, and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) have facilitated numerous programs to enhance people-to-people connections. Turkish Airlines has played a crucial role in improving connectivity, expanding its network across the continent.
Türkiye’s scholarships and educational programs have provided numerous African students with the opportunity to study at Turkish universities, reinforcing bilateral ties and laying the foundation for long-term collaborative partnerships.
Looking Ahead: Future Ambitions
Looking ahead, Türkiye aims to position itself as a vital gateway for African nations to global markets. Plans to increase daily flights to Africa by Turkish Airlines reflect Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic development. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, promoting growth and prosperity for both regions.
The achievements of 2024 set the stage for deeper collaboration between Africa and Türkiye. With strengthened ties in diplomacy, trade, security, and cultural exchange, the Türkiye-Africa partnership is poised to drive innovation, development, and mutual growth in the coming years.