On the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, a significant step toward strengthening Africa–Türkiye economic relations were taken as the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, held high-level bilateral talks with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation within the evolving framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The engagement comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s economic integration agenda, as the AfCFTA transitions from negotiation to full-scale implementation.
Discussions between the two leaders focused on how Türkiye can further leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA to deepen its economic footprint across Africa. Both sides acknowledged Türkiye’s growing presence on the continent, which has been driven by a combination of diplomatic outreach, trade agreements, infrastructure investments, and private sector engagement.
Over the past two decades, Türkiye has significantly expanded its diplomatic missions in Africa and strengthened commercial ties with several African countries. Existing bilateral trade agreements and economic cooperation frameworks have already laid a foundation upon which broader continental engagement can now be built.
The AfCFTA is viewed as a gamechanger, offering a harmonized trade environment that simplifies market access, reduces tariffs, and encourages cross-border investment. For Türkiye, this presents an opportunity to move beyond fragmented country-by-country trade relationships toward a more integrated and strategic continental approach.
Secretary – General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr Mene emphasized that the continued implementation of the AfCFTA will unlock new pathways for economic transformation across Africa. He noted that the agreement is designed not only to boost intra-African trade but also to complement and harmonise existing external trade arrangements.
“The AfCFTA provides a unified framework that can align various trade agreements and partnerships, making Africa a more attractive and efficient destination for global investment,” he said.
The discussions also explored opportunities for Turkish companies to participate more actively in Africa’s industrialization drive, particularly in sectors where Türkiye has established expertise. These include construction, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy.
The meeting concluded with a strong expression of shared resolve to deepen economic integration and advance mutually beneficial partnerships between Africa and Türkiye. Both sides recognised that their collaboration has the potential to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and enhance economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
With implementation of the AfCFTA gaining momentum, the focus is increasingly shifting toward practical outcomes, facilitating trade, boosting industrial capacity, and improving livelihoods across the continent. Partnerships with external actors like Türkiye will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
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