Trkiye: Trkiye's exports to Africa have reached an impressive $13.3 billion in the first seven months of the year, driven by enhanced logistics networks and significant construction projects across the continent. This represents a 12.6% increase compared to the same period last year, with a notable rise of 16.3% in July alone, reaching $2.3 billion.
According to Anadolu Agency, Osman Aksoy, coordinator and chair of the Foreign Economic Relations Board's (DEIK) Trkiye-Africa Business Council, highlighted the robust export performance as evidence of the solid foundation underpinning the multidimensional economic ties between Trkiye and Africa. He noted that the momentum in the African market is a result of sustained commercial diplomacy centered on a win-win approach.
Turkish exports to Egypt showed remarkable growth, surging 49.3% in July to $426.2 million and 26.1% in the January to July period, totaling $2.3 billion. Similarly, exports to South Africa increased by 8.3% in July to $66.9 million and saw a 31.3% rise over seven months, reaching $479 million. Nigeria also experienced a 7.5% increase in exports last month, amounting to $60.2 million, with a substantial 52.1% rise over the January to July period to $453.2 million.
Meanwhile, Trkiye's exports to Libya jumped 22.4% in July to $289 million, with a modest 2.3% increase over seven months, totaling $1.59 billion. Exports to Tunisia rose slightly by 0.3% in July to $101 million and saw a 9.9% increase in the January to July period, surpassing $720 million. Exports to Niger surged 80.5% in July to $255 million, with an 8% increase over the seven-month period, exceeding $302 million.
However, Trkiye faced challenges in some markets. Exports to Morocco and Algeria, two key markets, declined by 24.8% to $277.5 million and 5.8% to $142.5 million in July, respectively. Despite this, exports to Morocco rose 11.7% to $2.43 billion in the seven-month period, while exports to Algeria fell 18.8% to $1.09 billion.
Aksoy emphasized the importance of Turkish Airlines' extensive flights to over 60 destinations across Africa and the diversification of maritime container routes in boosting export deliveries. The massive contracting sector projects, including roads, ports, public housing, and airports, also significantly contributed to the export performance.
Trkiye's machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, automotive, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food, and construction materials sectors played prominent roles in this success, Aksoy stated. He suggested that to capitalize on the growing exports to Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria-Africa's largest markets-Trkiye should develop local production, joint investments, strong distributor networks, and flexible financing models, especially by leveraging opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further noted that the positive diplomatic climate between Trkiye and Egypt, along with the existing Free Trade Agreement, are advantages. However, Aksoy stressed the need for increased investments through the Turkish Organized Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal region and efforts to reach untapped areas via joint production utilizing Egypt's Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) advantages.
In South Africa, Aksoy saw opportunities for establishing a lasting presence in high-value-added industrial equipment, electronics, and renewable energy solutions. For Nigeria, he highlighted the immense potential provided by its large population but acknowledged challenges with currency fluctuations, recommending a focus on local currency trade, bartering, and the direct supply of industrial and food-processing machinery for sustainable growth.
Aksoy also identified specific sectors and opportunities within different African countries, including Libya's energy, infrastructure, construction, electricity, healthcare, agriculture, and food industries; Tunisia's textiles, automotive supply industry, machinery, chemicals, and technology; and Niger and the Sahel region's energy, agriculture, food security, irrigation, mining, and infrastructure sectors. These sectors present massive potential for Trkiye's export growth.