The 5th Turkey-Africa Economic Forum (TABEF) to Take Place in Istanbul
The city of Istanbul will host the 5th Turkey-Africa Economic Forum (TABEF), scheduled for October 16th–17th, 2025 at the Istanbul Congress Centre (ICC) in Turkey. This biennial event, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) in cooperation with the African Union, aims to strengthen economic ties between Türkiye and African countries through investment, trade, and industrial partnerships.
Key Participants and Objectives
The forum will be attended by high-profile figures such as President of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Angola H.E. João Goncalves Lourenço, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals of the African Union, H.E. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, and other dignitaries. The event is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, and business leaders from both regions to discuss crucial areas such as agriculture, digital infrastructure, and textiles.
The theme for this year’s forum is “Leveraging Türkiye-Africa Relations for Mutual Gains.” Since its inception in 2016, TABEF has been a platform for analyzing commercial and economic relations between Türkiye and African countries, assessing investment approaches, and enhancing interactions between business communities.
History and Significance of TABEF
Launched following the decisions adopted during the Second Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in November 2014, TABEF has served as a key initiative to foster dialogue between Turkish investors, the African Union, and regional economic communities. It also provides a platform for public and private sector representatives to share experiences and policy recommendations for developing the private sector and fostering innovation-based Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the African Union Commission are committed to enhancing cooperation opportunities through the success of this forthcoming forum.
Priority Sectors and Focus Areas
Agriculture remains a dominant sector for most African countries, and the forum will encourage delegates to capitalize on existing opportunities to spur investment and growth in the sector. Other priority areas include artificial intelligence, defense, digital and data infrastructure, and the automotive industry.
In essence, TABEF seeks to offer a vital opportunity to develop innovative and win-win project partnerships, allowing Türkiye and Africa to emerge as indispensable global partners through effective investment incentives that support foreign direct investment (FDI) and PPPs.
Economic Ties Between Türkiye and Africa
Over the last two decades, economic ties between Türkiye and African countries have expanded rapidly. The trade volume between the two regions rose from USD 5.4 billion in 2003 to USD 40.7 billion by the end of 2022. In 2024, the trade volume stood at around USD 36.5 billion, with exports amounting to USD 21.8 billion and imports to USD 15 billion.
Key partners on the continent include Egypt, Algeria, Libya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Türkiye has Free Trade Agreements in force with Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritius. The FTA with Sudan is expected to enter into force following the completion of internal ratification procedures, while negotiations with Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Libya are ongoing.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Goals
The backbone of Türkiye’s growing bilateral relations with African countries since 2003 has been the Strategy for the Development of Commercial and Economic Relations with Africa. This strategy was updated at the Second Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit in Malabo in 2014 and further refined at the Third Summit in Istanbul in 2021 with the adoption of the 2022–2026 Joint Action Plan.
As of today, Türkiye’s direct investment stock in Africa has exceeded USD 10 billion. Turkish contractors have undertaken more than 2,000 projects across the continent, with a total value approaching USD 97 billion. Türkiye’s diplomatic presence in Africa has grown from 12 embassies in 2002 to 44 embassies today. Turkish Airlines currently operates flights to 51 destinations in 39 African countries.
Why Attend the Forum
The Forum will be an excellent opportunity to update current relations among business people from participating countries and set new targets for the further development of economic, commercial, and business partnerships. It will help expand one’s business and discover trade and business opportunities.
It will also help introduce one’s company and projects, products and services; meet prospective partners and generate international exposure for your brand; establish relationships with Turkish investors, suppliers and contractors; connect with new buyers and distributors from Africa; engage with international media thus allowing access to major projects and financial instruments.
Additional Highlights
The event will feature panel sessions on key thematic areas, including B2B Meetings, B2G Sessions, as well as sessions on Türkiye-Africa Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship Dialogue.
