Emirhan Yilmaz and Emir Yildirim
July 9, 2026•Updated: July 9, 2026
Turkey’s Export Growth Highlights Long-term Business Partnerships
Turkey’s exports surged by 12% to $11 billion during the first half of this year, underscoring a significant shift toward long-term partnerships driven by a dynamic private sector. Business leaders attribute this growth to a robust emphasis on collaborative endeavors and knowledge sharing.
Diplomatic Efforts Strengthen Trade with Africa
Osman Aksoy, the chairman of the Turkiye African Business Council under the External Economic Relations Commission (DEIK), noted that intense diplomatic exchanges and reciprocal visits over the last two years have been instrumental in enhancing Turkey’s trade volume with African nations. This approach has fostered an environment ripe for export growth.
Strategic Collaborations are Key to Success
Aksoy further emphasized the importance of the Joint Economic Committee meeting and the Turkiye African Business and Economic Forum as cornerstone events for steering Turkey’s business community toward an export surge. He believes that the evolving global landscape is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for Turkish firms across Africa, transitioning the continent’s role from mere financing partners to technology-sharers and collaborative producers.
Long-term Investment Strategy for Africa
Rather than imposing conditions, Turkey aims to engage with African countries through collaboration, value creation, and trust-building. “We aspire to enhance production, facilitate investments, and forge lasting partnerships throughout Africa,” Aksoy stated, highlighting the mutual benefits of this approach.
Egypt and Morocco Emerging as Key Markets
The data reflects a notable increase in exports to Egypt, which saw a rise of $394.4 million, activating trade relations that began with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo. These developments restore mutual trust and political dialogue, enabling Turkey to tap into Egypt’s market of 110 million consumers. Egypt’s strategic location near the Suez Canal, along with its developing industrial zones, provides fertile ground for Turkish investment in sectors such as textiles and petrochemicals.
Morocco’s Stability Drives Trade Expansion
Similarly, Morocco has emerged as Turkey’s top export destination in Africa, with exports totaling $2.1 billion in the first half of the year—an impressive year-on-year increase of 19.1%. Aksoy attributes this success to Morocco’s stable economic policies and investment-friendly reforms, transforming the nation into a production and distribution hub for West Africa and Europe.
Investing in Human Capital for Future Growth
Aksoy believes that strengthening human capital is pivotal for the future of Turkish-African economic relations. With Africa’s youthful population and rapidly urbanizing economy, there are vast potential developments ahead. He asserts that Turkey’s approach—emphasizing local partnerships, financial products, and long-term strategic planning—is unique and essential for creating sustainable growth and job opportunities in the region.
The Turkish Exporters Council (TIM) recently reported that Turkey’s exports to Africa increased by 32%, reaching $1.9 billion in June alone. The growth trajectory indicates promising avenues for Turkish businesses seeking to expand in fast-developing markets.
