Africa. At first, this pivot was motivated by the need to secure more diplomatic backing in international settings. Around 2005, however, Turkey-Africa relations began to deepen. This growth was spurred by global geopolitics, but also by the determined approach of the Justice and Development Party and Turkey’s economic boom in the mid-2000s.
Turkey’s engagement with Africa initially relied on soft power: humanitarian aid, education and cultural initiatives. Over time, more assertive forms of influence have become key aspects of the partnership. For instance, in 2011, Turkey played a vital role in Somalia by delivering aid during a devastating famine. In 2017, it established Camp TURKSOM in Mogadishu, its largest overseas military training facility. And in 2019, Turkey intervened in the Libyan civil war by supporting the Tripoli administration against General Khalifa Haftar, backed by Egypt and Russ
Turkey as an alternative to the West and China
Turkey-Africa relations have expanded rapidly because of Ankara’s ambitious and multi-faceted long-term strategy. To expand its influence, Turkey has been engaging with a wide array of actors, including governmental bodies, private sector firms and faith-based groups. It has intensified its formal diplomatic efforts: There are now 44 Turkish embassies in Africa, compared to 12 in 2002. Ankara has also launched cultural programs, business councils and an extensive flight network across the continent, with Turkish Airlines now flying to more than 60 African destinations.
Accompanying this strategy is a narrative portraying Turkey as an “Afro-Eurasian” state. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shaped a modern vision of Turkey that revives its Ottoman heritage, while championing Turkish nationalism. He has consistently advocated for the overhaul of global institutions, positioning his country not just as a supporter of African aspirations but also a viable alternative to traditional powers like China and Western countries.
Like Beijing, Ankara emphasizes state sovereignty and refrains from imposing political conditions on its partners. In this context, Turkey’s Muslim identity and lack of a colonial history are seen as unique strengths. For African countries, the Turkish aid model is also advantageous. Although funding is limited, the fact that grants are negotiated under bilateral schemes makes it an appealing alternative to aid from international institutions that comes with hefty political demands.
Turkey becomes a major security player in Africa
Historically, Turkey’s influence was mostly limited to North Africa and the Horn of Africa because of geographic and religious connections. However, as previously anticipated, Ankara is now expanding and consolidating relations with countries in West Africa, like Nigeria and Senegal, and with Sahel countries as well.
In the last two decades, trade between Turkey and Africa has increased from $5.4 billion to over $40 billion in 2022. Turkish products and services, from consumer to cultural goods, pharmaceutical products and construction services have been making significant inroads into African markets, thanks to their quality and competitive pricing.
Additionally, Turkey has become a key actor in Africa’s changing security landscape. Already an important presence in North Africa and the Horn of Africa, Ankara has concluded defense agreements with countries in West and East Africa, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda. Although the specifics of the deals vary – ranging from security provisions and technical support to military training – they most often include provisions around arm sales.
Read more: Turkey’s push for influence in Africa is working
Source: gis reports
