Establishing future-oriented relationships with Africa
Africa, the world’s second biggest continent, is home to around 15% of the world’s population, and it is a continent with great potential that has gone through many transformations since the 7th century, including slavery, colonialism, decolonization, modernization, and independence. I wanted to evaluate the importance of Africa for Turkey and the serious breakthroughs made in the continent in recent years as an investor and international consultant working to develop diplomatic and economic relations between Africa and our country, as well as a business person who participated in DEIK African Business Councils.
Due to its commerce, economy, and geopolitical location, Africa, which has evolved fast in recent years with modernization and independence, is taking significant steps toward an internationally engaged position.Turkey has been taking initiatives to strengthen its relations with Africa in many fields since 1998. Our relationship, which began in 2005 as an observer member of the African Union (AU), one of the world’s most important international organizations, which includes 55 African countries, accelerated when Turkey was named a strategic partner in 2008. As of 2013, studies conducted as part of the Opening to Africa Policy, ranging from investment to security and development programs, are now known as the African Partnership Policy.
III. Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum created a big impact
In order to promote Turkey-Africa investment and trade relations, I personally participated in the Turkey-Africa Economy and Business Forum, which was held in Istanbul for the first time in 2016, the second in 2018, and the third in 2021, in collaboration with the AU and DEIK. Like the first two forums, the third forum, which included state leaders from 45 African countries as well as many private sector executives from both Turkey and Africa, created a great deal of attention.
The Forum expanded cooperation in a variety of disciplines, from health to energy and infrastructure, and stressed the necessity of private sector participation for infrastructure projects in African countries. Technology, tourism, agriculture, energy generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure and services, aviation, maritime, education, health, and regions with net zero carbon emissions can all be mentioned as key areas for private sector investment in Africa.
Africa should have access to global trade
First and foremost, Africa’s trade inside the continent must be boosted if it is to achieve the position it deserves in global trade. Supporting Africa in the construction of regional agricultural processing and production centers that can be traded, as well as expanding Turkey-Africa collaboration in capacity building, are among the topics highlighted.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began operations on January 1, 2021, will be critical to Africa’s economic unity. AfCFTA will provide a significant potential for global trade development, particularly in terms of Turkey-Africa economic and commercial relations.
Sustainable development requires the power of women and youth
We see from the examples of successful countries that supporting women and youth in labor, providing equal chances in education, and personally contributing to the economy is critical for the development and sustainability of a country or area. The importance of women and youth in the sustainable development of African countries was highlighted during the Forum from this perspective. To this purpose, Turkey stated that it will assist Africa in creating a conducive environment for women and youth to participate actively in commercial and sustainable development.
Many industries, beginning with agriculture, must become modern and active in order for Africa to be strengthened. Of course, simply developing the sector in issue will not suffice. Making large investments in many areas, including technology and infrastructure, as well as supporting and developing all industries, is vital. At the fourth Forum, scheduled for 2023, I hope to be able to discuss the successes of mutual benefit and cooperation.