Turkey’s exports to African countries exceeded $15bn between January and October 2024, reflecting a 1.8 percent rise in trade compared to the same period last year, according to Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) data compiled by Anadolu Agency. This boost in trade underscores Turkey’s deepening partnership with Africa across a variety of sectors, including construction and energy, establishing the country as a vital development ally on the continent.
With 44 embassies now operational across Africa, compared to just 12 in 2003, Turkey has bolstered its diplomatic presence significantly. This increased presence and economic outreach mean that Africa now accounts for 7 percent of Turkey’s total exports, making it the sixth-largest export destination for Turkish goods among 12 major country groups.
In comparison, Turkey’s largest export partner remains the European Union, with $79.9bn in exports during the same period, followed by the Middle East, which received $23.3bn.
Egypt emerged as Turkey’s top African export market, with trade reaching nearly $3bn in the first 10 months of the year. Other leading markets in North Africa included Morocco, with $2.5bn, and Algeria, at $2bn. Libya and Tunisia also featured prominently, receiving $1.9bn and $859.2 million in exports, respectively. Outside North Africa, South Africa received $514.5 million, Nigeria $482.1 million, and Djibouti, Ghana, and Senegal were key destinations with exports of $343 million, $313 million, and $301.1 million, respectively.
Turkey’s top export sectors to Africa included chemicals and products, with sales of $2.5bn, followed by grains, pulses, and oilseeds at $2.3bn. The steel sector contributed $1.7bn, automotive exports totalled $1.2bn, and electrical and electronics brought in $1.1bn. Growth was particularly strong in chemicals, with an increase of $248.5 million, and jewellery, which saw exports rise by $137.7 million. The textiles and raw materials sector also performed robustly, adding $98.6 million in export value, for a total of $1.1bn.
Additional sectors making notable contributions included jewellery, which exported $309.7 million worth of goods, and machinery, which matched textiles with $1.1bn. Exports from lower-volume sectors included ornamental plants ($2.1 million), olives and olive oil ($12.9 million), and fresh produce, totalling $20.2 million.
Turkey’s total exports for the January-October period reached $216.4bn, reflecting a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase. This solid performance highlights Turkey’s growing role as a significant trade partner across Africa’s emerging and established markets.
Source: AFP & Anadolu Agency
