The 5th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) opened in Istanbul with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, pledging that Turkey is ready to be a reliable partner when it comes to the technology industry, as he called for deeper and mutually beneficial cooperation between Türkiye and African nations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, October 16, Bolat said Türkiye sees Africa not as a market but as a long-term partner in building sustainable industries and developing resilient economies.
He highlighted technology, agriculture, health, clean energy, and infrastructure as key areas where cooperation can transform both economies.
“The global economy is going through a digital transformation. We should not only use technology but build it into a holistic ecosystem,” Bolat said. “Turkey is ready to be a reliable partner when it comes to the technology industry.”
Bolat stressed that Türkiye’s strong manufacturing and industrial base can complement Africa’s vast resources and youthful population.
He said African nations, with their growing demand for digital solutions and industrial capacity, stand to benefit from joint ventures in textiles, digital manufacturing, and agri-processing, areas where Türkiye has built global competitiveness.
He noted that the country’s access to European markets would also serve as an asset for African traders and manufacturers seeking broader global reach.
“Together, we can transform Africa’s mineral and raw material wealth into value-added industries through technology transfer, innovation, and fair trade,” Bolat added.
Turning to global challenges, Bolat addressed the urgent issue of food security in sub-Saharan Africa, where the population is expected to reach two billion by 2050. He referenced the Black Sea Grain Corridor, a deal Türkiye helped broker, noting that it had eased pressure on global food supplies and provided a model of how collaborative diplomacy can benefit Africa.
“Agricultural partnerships combining Türkiye’s expertise and Africa’s arable lands will be beneficial to both sides,” he emphasised.
The minister also pointed to Türkiye’s resilient health system as proof of the country’s thriving industrial and research capacity. With Africa’s growing healthcare needs, he said, there is room for deeper cooperation in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and hospital infrastructure.
On clean energy, Bolat highlighted Türkiye’s achievements in renewable and sustainable energy generation, saying, “When it comes to clean and reliable energy, Türkiye can become a strong partner with Africa, from grid management to clean energy projects.”
He added that Türkiye’s construction companies, known for their expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects, are ready to support Africa in closing its infrastructure gap.
“With build-operate-transfer and public-private partnerships, we can deliver modern transport, ports, and energy infrastructure that supports trade and industrialisation.”
Also addressing the opening ceremony, Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Mining, said the continent needs funds, technology, and know-how to build competitive economies.
She called on African trade ministers and partners to ensure that Africa’s mineral resources are used to create domestic value, not just exports.
“We must work together on how we want to use our minerals. We need debt-friendly investments and partnerships that promote value addition and digital transformation,” she said.
Belobe added that beyond contracts, the Türkiye–Africa Forum should seed training programmes, institutional exchanges, and educational partnerships that build lasting local capabilities and reduce dependency.
The AU Commissioner described the ongoing meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to deeper economic cooperation and lay the foundation for a more self-reliant and sufficient Africa.
She outlined three priorities to guide the renewed partnership: deepening trade and investment through bilateral and harmonised cooperation; inclusive empowerment of women, youth, and small enterprises, recognising Africa’s youth as an asset; and investing in industrialisation to ensure competitiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability.
“This meeting should be a turning point, not just in dialogue but in action. Our partnership must be built on trust, mutual benefit, and a shared vision for the future,” Belobe said.
Both leaders agreed that the Türkiye–Africa partnership must evolve to reflect the realities of climate change, geopolitical tensions, and digital transformation.
The 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum, co-hosted by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, the African Union, and DEİK, brings together over 4,000 participants, ministers, and CEOs to discuss trade, innovation, and sustainable development.
The two-day meeting is expected to conclude with several memoranda of understanding and investment agreements, marking a new chapter in Türkiye-Africa cooperation, one built on trust, technology, and transformation.
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