The Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) will convene for the fifth time on October 16–17, 2025, in Istanbul, hosted by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), and coordinated with the African Union.
The Forum aims to strengthen economic relations between Türkiye and African countries while exploring new avenues for investment, trade, and industrial partnerships.
High-Level Attendance Expected
The two-day event is set to draw significant participation from heads of state, senior ministers, and business leaders. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Angola’s President Joao Goncalves Lourenço and First Lady Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço, Türkiye’s Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, along with senior African ministers of economy, trade, and finance, are among the prominent participants.
Leading financial institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), African Export-Import Bank, and Türk Eximbank, as well as chambers of commerce, civil society organizations, and more than 4,000 business representatives will also attend.
Key Themes and Priority Sectors
The overarching theme of TABEF 2025 is “Strengthening Türkiye–Africa Relations: Sharing Mutual Gains.” Priority sectors will include agriculture and food, renewable energy, mining, automotive, textiles, logistics, construction, defense industries, and digital technologies.
Day one will feature panels on topics such as Sustainable Food Production and Safety, International Civil Aviation Cooperation, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies, the Türkiye–Africa Logistics Hub, Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and Textile Value Chains.
Day two will spotlight technology, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure financing, and digital trade cooperation, alongside structured B2B and G2B meetings designed to foster tangible partnerships.
Women’s Leadership in Focus
A dedicated panel, the “Türkiye–Africa Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship Dialogue,” will take place with the participation of Emine Erdoğan and Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço. This session will highlight women’s growing role in decision-making and showcase success stories from female entrepreneurs across both regions.
Trade Volume Target: $75 Billion
Türkiye’s trade with Africa has grown from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $32.8 billion in 2024. Exports reached $21.5 billion, while imports totaled $11.3 billion. The next target is to expand bilateral trade volume first to $50 billion and ultimately to $75 billion.
Türkiye continues to position itself as a strategic partner for Africa’s integration and economic growth, guided by a win–win principle that emphasizes sustainable, long-term collaboration.
