Türkiye expands influence in Africa with strategic partnerships and soft power

Türkiye is strengthening its international influence while forging new alliances on the global stage. A recent high-profile visit to Niger by Turkish ministers and a new deal with Somalia for oil and gas exploration highlight Ankara's deepening ties in Africa.

Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) over the past two decades, Ankara has solidified its presence on the continent, increasing its number of embassies fourfold, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

As many African nations distance themselves from their former colonial rulers, Türkiye is stepping in to fill the void.

"Erdogan presents himself as an alternative to the West," said Selin Gucum, author of a study on Turkish interests in Africa for Paris's Observatory of Contemporary Turkey. Gucum told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Ankara often emphasizes the "sincerity" of its presence on the continent compared to that of Europeans, who bear the legacy of colonialism.

Türkiye has signed defense agreements with numerous African states, including Somalia, Libya, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. These agreements have led to contracts for Türkiye's defense manufacturers, particularly for its reliable and cost-effective drones. Recently, Turkish drones have been delivered to Chad, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, contributing to their fight against terrorism.

In addition to its defense partnerships, Türkiye is expanding its interests in Africa's energy sector. Plans are underway to launch an oil and gas exploration mission off the coast of Somalia in September or October, mirroring its activities in Libyan waters. There are also reports of Ankara's interest in Niger's uranium deposits, essential for its future Russian-built Akkuyu nuclear power station, though Turkish diplomats deny these claims. Nevertheless, Erdoğan has strengthened ties with Niger's ruling generals following their 2023 coup. Last Wednesday, Niger welcomed Türkiye's intelligence chief and foreign, energy, and defense ministers.

Ankara's reputation as a "reliable partner" extends beyond defense. Didier Billion, a Türkiye specialist at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, highlighted Türkiye's credibility in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

"When Turkish companies build big-ticket projects like hospitals, airports, or mosques, deadlines and budgets are met," he said. This reliability has driven demand, with Turkish contractors involved in $85.5 billion worth of projects in 2023, according to the Trade Ministry.

Turkish Airlines also enhances Türkiye's presence in Africa, flying to 62 destinations across the continent. In 2012, it became the first airline to return to Mogadishu, where the airport was rebuilt with Turkish funding and assistance.

Türkiye's soft power in the region is substantial, particularly through education, media, and shared religious ties with Africa's many Muslim countries. The Turkish Maarif Foundation operates 140 schools and institutions serving 17,000 pupils, while 60,000 Africans study in Türkiye. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has increased its humanitarian activities and support for mosques and religious education. Public broadcaster TRT airs programs in French, English, Swahili, and Hausa and is developing training courses for future journalists.