Türkiye’s Long Game in Africa: A Dynamic Path to Influence (EUISS’s Türkiye’s Cards in the World -Chapter 4)

Summary:

Türkiye has increased its involvement in Africa over the last two decades, using a multifaceted approach that includes diplomacy, economics, humanitarian aid, development, and security. It leverages its geographical position, non-colonial history, and shared religious ties with Muslim-majority countries to build solidarity with African countries. Türkiye’s investments in Somalia since 2011 challenge common perceptions of the country as unsafe and unstable. However, its pursuit of economic gains and political positioning raises questions about its true motives, with some viewing its actions as opportunistic rather than purely selfless advocacy. Also, Türkiye’s complex dynamic with the EU means that in Africa it straddles the roles of partner and competitor with Europe. Despite having a smaller investment portfolio compared to other players like China, Türkiye has positioned itself as a reliable ally for Africa, resonating with both African elites and populations.

Infrastructure:

Turkish investments in Africa focus on infrastructure projects such as ports, railways, energy provision, and airports, often along strategic trade routes. The Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) promotes private-public partnerships and investments through business councils. Türkiye’s top trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa are South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Sudan, accounting for 41% of the total trade volume in 2023. Trade between Türkiye and sub-Saharan Africa has grown by 800% since 2003, with Turkish exports to the region surpassing imports. Türkiye has also provided €812 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) disbursements between 2014-2022, with a special focus on Somalia.

Turkish Investments in Africa: Building Bridges and Business Opportunities:

Turkish investments in Africa have expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, industrial plants, power generation, and hospitality. This growth has been facilitated by the increased presence of Turkish Airlines, which now serves 45 destinations in 36 sub-Saharan African countries.

While Turkey’s overall share in trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa remains limited compared to other global players like China and France, its growth rate in these areas has been impressive. For example, between 2013 and 2023, Turkey’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa saw a remarkable 55% increase, with exports reaching €7.1 billion and imports amounting to €2.8 billion.

In addition to trade and FDI, Turkish influence and political clout in sub-Saharan Africa have expanded through initiatives such as the expansion of business councils by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the organization of Africa-Turkey economic and business forums. These forums aim to promote investment and public-private partnerships in sectors with high development potential for African states, such as infrastructure, agro-processing, manufacturing, digital technology, innovation, energy, and tourism.

Turkish infrastructure investments in sub-Saharan Africa have strategically expanded, with a focus on large-scale ‘hub’ infrastructure development that contributes to advancing Turkish interests, fostering local job creation, and promoting continental trade. These investments, which include the construction of airports, ports, railways, and powerships, not only benefit African states but also support Turkish manufacturing investments and gold mining operations.

Overall, Turkey’s strategy in Africa aims to bolster its political influence and advance its economic interests by providing access to resources, tapping into a burgeoning market, and securing concessions. Despite potential short-term slowdowns in investment growth, Turkey remains committed to maintaining its foothold in Africa, as demonstrated by recent agreements with Somalia to support local maritime capacities and natural resource exploration.

Türkiye’s Security and Political Pivot: From Mediation to Drone Power:

Türkiye has undergone a significant shift in its security and political strategy, particularly in its engagement with sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2008, Türkiye has actively expanded its political presence in Africa, with a robust network of embassies and diplomatic representations in the region. In 2011, Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia intensified, where it played a crucial role in mediating between the central federal government and regional states, focusing on trust-building and fostering development in both the public and private sectors. This approach set Türkiye apart from its European and American partners, as it assumed a prominent role in supporting the Somali peace process.

More recently, Türkiye has expanded its engagement in sub-Saharan Africa to include security and defense, employing ‘drone diplomacy’ alongside material support and training to bolster partners’ security capabilities. This has included supplying drones, armored vehicles, and personnel carriers to several countries and establishing its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu.

Türkiye has also intensified its efforts in West Africa, combining economic investments with security cooperation initiatives, including pledging financial support to the G5 Sahel joint force and concluding military cooperation agreements with several countries. Additionally, Türkiye has sought to carve out a distinct path from European former colonial powers in Africa, including a degree of tolerance for anti-Western rhetoric, which has led to friction with some European countries.

Türkiye’s nuanced approach in Sudan exemplifies its strategy of balancing economic interests with its position relative to other actors, particularly in the face of growing competition for influence from Gulf states. Overall, Türkiye’s image as an anti-colonial partner in Africa, coupled with its wide-ranging economic, cultural, and security contributions, reinforces perceptions of it as a reliable ally capable of supporting Africa even in contentious matters. This commitment was demonstrated by Türkiye’s abstention at the UN General Assembly vote on the Africa-sponsored resolution for a UN Convention on taxation in solidarity with African partners. This aligned with its pledge to work towards more converging positions in multilateral fora, as articulated in the 2021 declaration of the Africa-Türkiye Partnership Summit.

Building Bonds: Türkiye’s Engagement in Africa:

Türkiye’s engagement in Africa is multifaceted and encompasses various areas such as humanitarian, developmental, cultural, and religious spheres. One pivotal moment in Türkiye’s engagement with Africa occurred in August 2011 when then-Prime Minister Erdoğan and his wife Emine visited Mogadishu, marking the first visit by a non-African leader to Somalia in two decades. This visit, along with the establishment of a Turkish embassy in Mogadishu, demonstrated Türkiye’s solidarity and closeness to Somalia, drawing significant attention across the continent.

Türkiye’s influence in Africa is further demonstrated through initiatives such as the presence of 18 offices of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in sub-Saharan Africa, which enhances Ankara’s reputation as a key humanitarian and development actor.

Türkiye has also established over 160 schools in 25 sub-Saharan countries, managed by the Maarif Foundation, and actively promotes Turkish culture and language through the Yunus Emre Institute. Additionally, the Diyanet Foundation, Türkiye’s ministry for religious affairs, has undertaken projects such as mosque renovations and the ‘A Drop for Life’ initiative, which has facilitated the construction of over 1,000 water wells.

Furthermore, Türkiye’s engagement in Africa extends to scholarship programs for international students, diplomatic training for junior diplomats from the African Union (AU) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the establishment of the ‘Africa House’ in Ankara, aimed at promoting African culture and supporting African women entrepreneurs.

Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Erdoğan, also plays an active role in promoting Türkiye’s engagement with Africa through her participation in international meetings, organizing first ladies’ forums, and sponsoring Africa on the international stage. Her efforts consistently promote shared values and solidarity between Türkiye and Africa, aligning with President Erdoğan’s ambition for Türkiye to be Africa’s voice on international platforms.

Conclusion: Keys to Winning Hearts and Minds?

Turkey has significantly increased its involvement in sub-Saharan Africa through various economic, diplomatic, humanitarian, and cultural initiatives, with a focus on fostering a mutually beneficial relationship and changing the perception of Africa as a continent of opportunities rather than conflict and famine. Turkey’s approach is seen as less paternalistic compared to other partners, and it has been successful in infrastructure development and supporting peace processes. However, Turkey faces challenges such as domestic economic issues and competition from other players, and its relations with the EU in Africa are complex. Despite this, there is potential for cooperation on mutual interests such as security.

By: Mutaa Aladhami, CIGA Research Intern