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ISTANBUL — Turkey is expanding its diplomatic and economic influence on the world stage — especially in Africa, where it announced plans this week to explore for oil and gas near Somalia.
During President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two decades in power, Ankara has consolidated its foothold on the continent, increasing the number of embassies there fourfold.
Here are Türkiye’s top five diplomatic and economic interests and strategies in Africa:
‘A Western alternative’
As many African countries are dumping their former colonial masters, Turkey is trying to fill the void left behind.
“Erdogan presents himself as an alternative to the West,” said Selin Gucum, author of a study on Turkey’s interests in Africa for the Paris-based Observatory of Contemporary Turkey.
Ankara often stresses the “sincerity” of its presence on the continent, in contrast to Europeans burdened with the legacy of colonialism, Gokum told AFP.
By Teresa Nogueira Pinto, an analyst at Geopolitical Intelligence Services Reports on Turkey’s defense deals with African countries show that Erdogan can be less reserved when it comes to choosing partners.
“Unlike the West, Turkey’s aid is not conditional on governance or human rights commitments,” Pinto wrote.
Defense and Security
Turkey has defense agreements with several countries on the African continent, including Somalia, Libya, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana.
The deals have brought contracts to Turkey’s defense manufacturers, particularly for its drones, which are known for their reliability and cheapness.
Turkish drones are often used to fight terrorism and have recently been delivered to Chad, Togo and the three Sahel countries led by military juntas – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
Fossil fuels and nuclear energy
Türkiye is also expanding its interests in Africa’s energy sector.
Russia plans to launch an oil and gas exploration mission off Somalia in September or October, similar to the one it conducts off Libya.
Ankara is also said to covet Niger’s rich uranium deposits for future operation of the Russian-built Akkuyu nuclear power plant – although Ankara’s diplomats deny this.
Nonetheless, Erdogan has strengthened ties with Niger’s ruling generals since the coup in 2023. Niamey hosted Turkey’s intelligence chief as well as the ministers of foreign affairs, energy and defense on Wednesday.
Infrastructure and buildings
Didier Billion, a Turkey expert at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, said Ankara is generally seen as a “reliable partner” — “especially in the areas of construction and infrastructure.”
He added that when Turkish companies build large projects such as hospitals, airports or mosques, they are completed within the stipulated deadlines and on budget.
Such a reputation means more demand: in 2023, Turkish contractors were involved in projects worth $85.5 billion, according to the trade ministry.
Turkish Airlines flies to 62 destinations across the African continent.
In 2012, the company became the first airline to return to Mogadishu, whose airport was rebuilt with funding and assistance from Turkey.
Religion, School, and Television
Turkey has amassed considerable soft power in the region, particularly through education, the media, and its shared religion with many Muslim countries in Africa.
Maarif, a Turkish religious foundation, has expanded to a network of 140 schools and institutions, accommodating 17,000 students, while there are currently 60,000 African students studying in Turkey.
Ankara’s powerful Directorate of Religious Affairs has stepped up its humanitarian activities and support for mosques and religious education in the region.
NRT calls itself the first Turkish television channel on the African continent and claims on its website that it serves 49 African countries, broadcasting the Turkish language.
Public broadcaster TRT also offers programming in French, English, Swahili and Hausa, and is developing a training course for future journalists.
Turkey’s religious conservatism also resonates with many African countries at a time when anti-LGBTQ laws are being enacted across the continent.
“When Erdogan condemned ‘LGBTQ people who destroy family values,’ it was a blessing for many Africans,” said Billion.
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