Turkey’s exports to Africa reached $13.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, rising 12.6% from the same period last year.
Exports also climbed 16.3% year-on-year in July, reaching $2.3 billion, as trade ties continued to deepen across the continent.
Osman Aksoy, head of the Turkey-Africa Business Council, described the figures as evidence of strong and multidimensional economic relations.
Egypt led the growth, with Turkish exports rising 26.1% during January-July to $2.3 billion, despite broader regional challenges.
Exports to South Africa increased 31.3% to $479 million, while shipments to Nigeria surged 52.1% to $453.2 million.
Turkey also recorded strong growth in Libya, Tunisia and Niger, although exports to Morocco and Algeria declined during July.
Aksoy attributed the momentum to years of commercial diplomacy, expanding transport links and major Turkish infrastructure projects across Africa.
Turkish Airlines’ extensive African network and growing maritime container routes have helped companies deliver goods to increasingly distant markets.
Machinery, electronics, automotive products, chemicals, steel, textiles, food and construction materials were among the leading export sectors.
Aksoy urged Turkish companies to move beyond direct sales by establishing local production, joint ventures and stronger distribution networks.
He highlighted Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria as major opportunities, particularly through regional trade arrangements under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Egypt could serve as a production gateway, while South Africa offers opportunities in industrial equipment, electronics and renewable energy.
Nigeria, despite currency challenges, presents significant potential for machinery, food processing and locally denominated trade, he said.
Aksoy also identified opportunities in Libya’s infrastructure and energy sectors and in agriculture, mining and irrigation across the Sahel.