Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Africa: A Strategic Approach

Turkey is increasingly establishing a robust presence across Africa through a multifaceted strategy that combines trade, defense, and infrastructure development. From enhancing port facilities to constructing educational institutions, Ankara is embedding frameworks that could significantly shape the continent’s economic and geopolitical landscape.

Turkey’s Unique Strategy in Africa

In its bid to expand influence on a continent long contested by powers like the US, China, and Russia, Turkey has adopted a distinctive approach. Unlike these countries, Ankara emphasizes a blend of trade agreements, energy projects, military deployments, and infrastructure investments to forge enduring operational links across Africa.

Jamie Akol, an expert on African policy from the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, highlights that “Turkey combines hard and soft power in ways few external actors have attempted.” By linking military initiatives with infrastructure projects, Turkey aims to create a lasting influence that can withstand potential political changes and the typical lifecycle of contract agreements.

Booming Trade Relations

Turkey’s engagement with African nations has escalated dramatically in the past two decades. Trade figures indicate that exchanges between Ankara and African countries surpassed $37 billion in 2024, with a target set for $40 billion by 2025. Turkish contractors have executed over 2,000 infrastructure projects throughout the continent, amounting to an estimated $100 billion, covering various sectors like transportation, healthcare, and housing.

Energy Collaboration with Somalia

One of Turkey’s most prominent strategic partnerships is with Somalia. On February 15, 2024, Turkey deployed its deep-sea drilling vessel, Cagri Bey, to Somali waters—a key step in its long-term energy exploration plans. This venture is underpinned by a hydrocarbon cooperation agreement signed in March 2024, allowing Turkish Petroleum Corporation to explore and develop oil and gas resources within Somalia’s onshore and offshore blocks.

Turkey’s Minister of Energy has described this as a significant move to bolster Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa while committing to the production of Somalia’s untapped energy resources. This collaboration not only highlights Turkey’s technical capabilities but also reflects its increasing role in Somali infrastructure, military training, and essential services such as hospitals.

Expanding Investments in Ethiopia

Turkey’s strategic investment in Ethiopia is growing, evidenced by President Erdoğan’s official visit to Addis Ababa on February 17, 2026—the first in over a decade. With Turkish investments topping $2.5 billion in 2025, sectors like textiles, transportation infrastructure, and energy are benefiting greatly. New agreements focus on joint energy generation, grid infrastructure, and technology transfer, positioning Turkey as Ethiopia’s second-largest foreign investor after China.

Furthering this partnership, both nations aim to elevate bilateral trade to $1 billion, reflecting Turkey’s strategic interest in leveraging accessible markets in East Africa.

Strategic Port Development

Turkey’s influence extends to strategic port projects across Africa. Notably, Turkish firms operate long-term concessions at Mogadishu Port and are involved in redevelopment initiatives at Suakin Port in Sudan. In Libya, Turkish financial and naval support enhances access to crucial maritime infrastructure, reinforcing Turkey’s ties in the Mediterranean region.

In addition to operational engagements in Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, and other regions, Turkey is creating a robust network of influence throughout East and North Africa.

Diplomatic Expansion and Educational Initiatives

Turkey has also expanded its diplomatic influence on the continent, quadrupling the number of embassies since the early 2000s. This enhanced presence aids in facilitating contracts and political discussions. Turkish Airlines now links Istanbul to numerous African cities, promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Education forms another cornerstone of Turkey’s strategy. The Maarif Foundation operates schools across more than 20 African nations, promoting Turkish curricula and cultural exchanges. Initiatives in North Africa combine construction with cultural enrichment, linking education and infrastructure development.

Challenges and Risks Ahead

Despite the numerous partnerships and initiatives, Turkey’s approach is not without challenges. Concerns regarding governance, transparency in contracts, and potential dependencies on Turkish systems are prevalent. Observers caution that embedding institutional ties may lead to difficulties in unwinding once established.

Redefining Influence in Africa

By systematically replacing older dependencies with Turkish systems, Ankara is redefining the landscape of influence on the continent. The convergence of economic, military, and cultural interests positions Turkey to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s trajectory in the long term.

In this rapidly changing environment of fragile states and emerging energy markets, Turkey’s proactive strategy could significantly alter the balance of power, creating opportunities for new norms in trade, security, and governance.

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