Türkiye’s Place in Africa’s Future: Towards Closer Cooperation Based on a Win-Win Understanding

Africa stands out as a strategic continent that plays an important role in during the multipolarization process due to its strategic location, potential population, and unmatched wealth both below and above the surface. It is attracting increasing attention as a major potential market for foreign investments and trade. Africa has been keenly awaiting new partnerships since the COVID-19 pandemic, with its accelerated economic growth, young and dynamic population, expanding consumer base, and government officials and business leaders eager to engage in reciprocal relations. The continent hosts approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 12% of its oil reserves, and 8% of its natural gas reserves. It is home to 40% of the world’s gold reserves and possesses the largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, uranium, and platinum. Additionally, 30% of the world’s rare earth element deposits are found in Africa, making the continent a central resource for strategic high-tech industries like semiconductors, batteries, and green energy. Africa, with 65% of its arable land, plays a critical role in global food security. Türkiye, in terms of its capacity, knowledge, and workforce, is sufficiently equipped to serve Africa in many areas, and most importantly, it emerges as a preferred partner for African counterparts. The Turkish government encourages all companies to engage in business, investment, and trade in Africa, and our consulates and commercial attachés on the continent provide all possible support to Turkish entrepreneurs. However, there is still a need for the further development of bilateral trade agreements and customs agreements between countries.

Keywords: Action Plan for Opening Up to Africa, Africa’s rise, Africa-Türkiye relations, geostrategic position,
win-win.