The fifth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum has wrapped up in Istanbul, spotlighting deepening trade, investment, and sustainable development partnerships between Türkiye and African nations.
The two-day event, hosted by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade and organized in collaboration with the African Union and the Foreign Economic Relations Board, attracted around 3,000 African business leaders and thousands of Turkish entrepreneurs, according to Trade Minister Omer Bolat.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the forum, first launched in 2016, as “a platform where concrete decisions have been transformed into real projects.”
Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, the African Union’s commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining, called Türkiye “a valuable partner for Africa’s industrial ambitions,” describing the relationship as “mutually beneficial, innovative, and resilient.”
Bolat said bilateral trade reached $37 billion in 2024, with a goal of $40 billion by year’s end.
On the sidelines, Türkiye and The Gambia signed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, focusing on joint initiatives in renewable energy, infrastructure, technology transfer, and capacity building.