Turkey has a focused and two-pillared approach to the African continent on the economic level; North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Ministry of Economy has been implementing the “Strategy for Enhancing Trade and Economic Relations with African Countries” since 2003. The tools of the strategy are fairs, trade missions, business councils, joint Economic Commission mechanisms, new commercial offices and agreements. The strategy also entails supporting WTO accession, providing technical assistance and increasing banking activities.

As a result of the strategy, in 2011, Turkey’s exports to Africa were realized as 10,3 billion dollars with an increase of 390% compared to 2003 (2,1 billion dollars) and Turkey’ imports from Africa were realized as 8,7 billion dollars with an increase of 163% compared to 2003 (3,3 billion dollars). Additionally, Turkish investments in Africa have reached more than 5 billion dollars as of 2011.

In the “African Economic Outlook 2011” Co-authored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the OECD,  Turkey is placed among Africa’s top five emerging partners along with China, India, Brazil and Korea.

Turkey has completed Free Trade Agreements with Egypt (2006), Tunisia (2005) Morocco (2006) and signed an FTA with Mauritius in September 2011. The Commercial Counselor’s Offices of Turkey in Africa are in Algeria, Libya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana and Tanzania.

Turkey-Africa Trade Data

Exports

Turkey’s exports to Africa were 10,3 billion $ in 2011, increased 11,3% compared to 2010. Top export markets are Egypt ($2,7 billion), Algeria ($1,4 billion), Morocco ($920 million),  Tunisia  ($802 million), Libya ($747 million),  and South Africa  ($508 million).

Top export products are iron and steel, mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, machinery, vehicles and plastics.

Imports

Turkey’s imports from Africa were 8,7 billion $ in 2011, up 37% compared to 2010.

Turkey’s top import suppliers are Algeria ($2,7 billion), South Africa ($1,9 billion), Egypt ($1,3 billion), Nigeria ($823 million), and Morocco ($419 million).

Top import products are mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, precious Stones and metals, inorganic chemicals, cacao and iron and steel.