The fifth edition of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum kicks off on Thursday in Istanbul, continuing for two days. The Ministry of Trade hosts the Forum in coordination with the African Union and in collaboration with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). The forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Türkiye–Africa Relations: Sharing Common Gains."

The Turkish Ministry of Trade said in a statement on Wednesday that enhancing Türkiye’s trade and investment relations with Africa remains among Ankara’s top priorities under the "Africa Strategy," which has been in effect since 2003. According to the statement, ministers, government officials, and around 3,000 businesspeople from 54 African countries and Türkiye are expected to attend the forum. The closing session will feature remarks from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Speaking at the opening of the session, Minister of Trade Omer Bolat said that the total trade volume between Türkiye and African countries exceeded $37 billion last year and is expected to reach $40 billion by the end of this year. Recalling that Türkiye’s Africa Partnership Policy was launched in 2003 under President Erdogan, Bolat said bilateral trade has increased more than sevenfold since then—from $5.4 billion in 2003 to over $37 billion in 2024.

The fifth edition of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum kicks off on Thursday in Istanbul, continuing for two days. The Ministry of Trade hosts the Forum in coordination with the African Union and in collaboration with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). The forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Türkiye–Africa Relations: Sharing Common Gains."

The Turkish Ministry of Trade said in a statement on Wednesday that enhancing Türkiye’s trade and investment relations with Africa remains among Ankara’s top priorities under the "Africa Strategy," which has been in effect since 2003. According to the statement, ministers, government officials, and around 3,000 businesspeople from 54 African countries and Türkiye are expected to attend the forum. The closing session will feature remarks from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Speaking at the opening of the session, Minister of Trade Omer Bolat said that the total trade volume between Türkiye and African countries exceeded $37 billion last year and is expected to reach $40 billion by the end of this year. Recalling that Türkiye’s Africa Partnership Policy was launched in 2003 under President Erdogan, Bolat said bilateral trade has increased more than sevenfold since then—from $5.4 billion in 2003 to over $37 billion in 2024.