Turkey's exports to Africa reach $11 billion in first half, led by Morocco and Egypt

Turkey's Africa exports climb to $11 billion in first half

Turkey's exports to African countries rose 12 percent year on year to $11 billion in the first six months of the year, according to Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) data cited by CNN Türk. Morocco was the largest destination, while Egypt recorded the fastest gain in value terms.

In June alone, exports to the region rose 32 percent year on year to $1.9 billion, the data show.

Morocco leads, Egypt grows fastest

Morocco was Turkey's top African market with $2.1 billion in exports, up 19.1 percent from the same period a year earlier. Egypt posted the largest increase in value, adding $349.4 million over the half. Mali, Ethiopia, Liberia, Tunisia and Somalia also stood out as growing markets, according to the report.

Trade diplomacy behind the numbers

Osman Aksoy, coordinator chairman of the Turkey-Africa Business Councils at the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), attributed the growth to diplomatic ties built over the past 20 years and private-sector activity on the ground. He cited high-level mutual visits, Joint Economic Commission (KEK) meetings, JETCO mechanisms and the Turkey-Africa Business and Economics Forum (TABEF) as supports for trade volume. Aksoy noted that African countries now seek partners who share technology, engage in joint production and develop human resources, rather than financiers alone.

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Turkish Airlines' broad route network and the project experience of Turkish contractors would continue to support exports. Aksoy described the goal as not only raising exports but investing in Africa and building long-term economic partnerships.

Egypt and Morocco as strategic hubs

According to Aksoy, improving diplomatic relations between Ankara and Cairo drove the rise in trade with Egypt, whose large domestic market, industrial zones and logistics links to Africa and the Gulf offer opportunities for Turkish firms. Morocco has become a strategic partner through investment-friendly policies, the logistical advantages of Tanger Med Port and its growing automotive and aviation industries.

He added that transport, infrastructure and urban investments tied to the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco would create new opportunities for Turkish contractors, building-material producers and service sectors. DEİK lists priorities in Turkey's Africa strategy as increasing mutual investment, joint production, technology transfer, industrial cooperation and human-capital development.