Turkey strengthens relations with Africa
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday October 27, 2025 11:50
Speaking at the event’s closing ceremony at Istanbul’s convention centre, Erdogan was elated that Africa continues to show interest in TABEF, which he is positive will continue strengthening trade between the African nations and Turkey. This could be the case especially in the areas of energy, agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery and construction, digital trade, automotive, logistics and transportation, and others.
“African governments and captains of industry continue to present cases of their investment climates in their respective countries, and we are determined to work with them and assist them with high levels of expertise,” he pronounced.
He emphasised to Africans in particular that all the relevant members and agencies are focused on playing their roles. The President promised his government was determined to take the already established partnerships with Africa to greater heights.
“Now, we are taking our partnerships with African nations to greater heights. We consider African governments and the business community as our strategic partners,” he said.
The President assured African governments that his country would continue dealing with them transparently and on a win-win basis. Turkey, he said, was intentional in building long-term and sustainable relationships that they will not regret as nations.
He highlighted that, besides doing business with Africa, Turkey has been playing a pivotal role in the lives of Africans through humanitarian aid. The Turkish government offers scholarships to deserving young African people in Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and many others.
The President was also elated that his country was able to add value at the Horn of Africa, where they resolved a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia.
“Sudan’s humanitarian situation is of great concern to Turkey, and we see colonialism might have ended, but it exists in one way or the other in some parts of Africa,” he said.
He was particularly worried that some European nations tend to fuel wars in Africa as they stand to benefit from such chaos, but in the end, he was worried that it’s women and children who suffer untold miseries.
“Some western nations lecture democracy to us when in fact they continue fuelling genocide, like in the case of Gaza. A ceasefire should be achieved. HAMAS/Gaza conflict should end,” he said. He stressed that his government will continue doing something to find eternal peace in warring African regions. He even promised that his government stands with the Palestinian people in the chaos they find themselves in.
“We have established rapport with Africa. I am a politician who has visited Africa more than 50 times. I deeply enjoyed interactions with Africans despite the challenges they face,” Erdogan told TABEF. Speaking at the same event, South Africa Deputy President, P,u he said, Mashatile said South Africa’s economy has shown remarkable resilience over the past year, with a GDP growth projected at 1.6 per cent for 2025, supported by stronger manufacturing output, better logistics, and greater energy stability. He highlighted: “This collaboration is particularly vital as South Africa works to address the structural challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, while laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.” While bilateral trade between SA and Turkey reached approximately two billion US dollars in 2024, “we know we can do much more.” The SA goal is to diversify and balance its trade relationship. “At present, South Africa exports mostly raw minerals, while Türkiye exports mostly finished products. We want to change that dynamic, to grow both sides through value-added production and joint ventures.” Likewise, South African investments in Türkiye have grown from 217 million US dollars in 2022 to 274 million in 2023. This growth shows their confidence in one another’s markets and our shared ambition to build sustainable, innovation-driven economies. Mashatile also indicated that the SA government is working hard to make South Africa an even easier and more attractive place to do business. “Importantly, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the largest free trade area in the world, gives Turkish investors access to a market of 1.4 billion people. By investing in South Africa, you gain a foothold not just in our country, but across the entire continent.” To make investment easier, SA has launched an Energy One Stop Shop, managed by InvestSA, which streamlines approval processes and helps power-generating companies navigate regulatory requirements quickly and efficiently.
He added:“There are also growing opportunities in the automotive and mobility sectors. We invite Turkish companies to consider setting up local operations in South Africa, bringing technical expertise and innovation that will benefit both of us.” Mashatile encouraged the forum to mark the beginning of a new phase of practical cooperation, one that he said includes trade missions, joint ventures, and stronger collaboration between our chambers of commerce and development finance institutions. “We are encouraged by the growing role of the private sector in driving this partnership. Turkish and South African firms are already working together in renewable energy, automotive components, textiles, and construction,” he noted. To build on this momentum, SA had brought a strong business delegation representing key sectors including automotive, healthcare, defence, agro-processing, ICT, mining, and finance. He further appealed to TABEF to serve as a catalyst, a platform to unlock new possibilities in trade, investment, and technology cooperation. “The future belongs to those who build together, who look beyond borders, and who transform shared aspirations into shared prosperity,” he concluded to a thunderous applause from the forum.