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Türkiye–Africa Business Forum gathers 3,000 participants from 54 countries in Istanbul

Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum — for which Anadolu Agency (AA) serves as the Global Communication Partner — has officially begun , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )
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Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum — for which Anadolu Agency (AA) serves as the Global Communication Partner — has officially begun , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )
By Anadolu Agency
October 16, 2025 03:09 PM GMT+03:00

The fifth edition of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum kicks off on Thursday in Istanbul, continuing for two days.

The Ministry of Trade hosts the Forum in coordination with the African Union and in collaboration with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).

The forum, held under the theme “Strengthening Türkiye–Africa Relations: Sharing Common Gains.”

The Turkish Ministry of Trade said in a statement on Wednesday that enhancing Türkiye’s trade and investment relations with Africa remains among Ankara’s top priorities under the “Africa Strategy,” which has been in effect since 2003.

According to the statement, ministers, government officials, and around 3,000 businesspeople from 54 African countries and Türkiye are expected to attend the forum.

The closing session will feature remarks from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who will outline Türkiye’s long-term vision for cooperation with Africa.

The statement noted that the forum will play an important role in deepening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Africa at a time when protectionist trade practices are becoming increasingly common.

Turkish and African ministers are expected to take part in the sectoral sessions.

Minister of Trade Omer Bolat delivers a speech at the opening panel of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, October 16, 2025. (AA Photo)
Minister of Trade Omer Bolat delivers a speech at the opening panel of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, October 16, 2025. (AA Photo)

Trade volume to reach $40 billion in 2025

Speaking at the opening of the session, Minister of Trade Omer Bolat said that the total trade volume between Türkiye and African countries exceeded $37 billion last year and is expected to reach $40 billion by the end of this year.

Recalling that Türkiye’s Africa Partnership Policy was launched in 2003 under President Erdogan, Bolat said bilateral trade has increased more than sevenfold since then—from $5.4 billion in 2003 to over $37 billion in 2024.

“Turkish investments across Africa’s industry, agriculture, and services sectors have reached $15 billion, creating jobs and contributing to sustainable growth,” he added.

Bolat also noted that Turkish contractors have completed over 2,000 projects worth nearly $100 billion across the continent.

Minister Bolat described the forum as “a critical platform for advancing strategic partnerships not only between Türkiye and African countries, but also among African nations themselves.”

Bolat stated that participants would address ways to navigate global economic uncertainties and strengthen the Türkiye–Africa partnership.

He added that Turkish Airlines (THY) now operates flights to 62 destinations in 40 African countries, connecting the continent to global markets through Istanbul.

Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum  , Istanbul , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )
Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum , Istanbul , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )

Two days of high-level dialogue

The forum features sessions on infrastructure financing, food security, pharmaceutical production, women’s leadership, and logistics cooperation.

Thousands of B2B meetings are scheduled to promote partnerships between Turkish and African companies.

Over two days, the forum will feature panel discussions on topics such as “Competitive and Collaborative Textile Value Chains” and “Financing Africa’s Infrastructure Needs".

Bilateral business meetings and country presentations (Mozambique, Nigeria, and Egypt), as well as G2B and B2B sessions, will also take place concurrently.

Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum  , Istanbul , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )
Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union, and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum , Istanbul , Octobar 16 , 2025 . (AA Photo )

Emine Erdogan to highlight women’s empowerment

Six Turkish ministers will attend various panels, while First Lady Emine Erdogan is set to address a session on “Empowering Women and Family Leadership in Africa.”

The session will focus on policies aimed at strengthening women’s role in the economy and supporting their contribution to the development of both Türkiye and Africa.

The forum, which will conclude on Friday, aims to further deepen economic, trade, and diplomatic relations between Türkiye and African nations.

October 16, 2025 03:11 PM GMT+03:00
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