Africa is rapidly becoming a focal point of global trade, and Turkey has positioned itself as a key strategic partner on the continent. Since 2020, Ankara has pursued a proactive trade and diplomacy strategy that bridges geographical distance with logistical efficiency, cultural affinity, and mutual economic interest. Today, Africa is no longer a remote region for Turkish exporters — it is a vibrant, promising frontier.
Why Africa?
The African continent holds immense potential with its youthful population, emerging megacities, and demand for infrastructure, energy, and consumer goods. As many African countries seek diversified trade relations beyond traditional partners like China or the EU, Turkey offers a model based on equality, speed, and trust. The “win-win” approach has accelerated Turkish exports and enhanced Turkey’s soft power across Africa.
Products Exported from Turkey to Africa
Turkey’s trade portfolio with Africa is diverse, ranging from petrochemical products to household goods. The following table highlights the most significant export items, including delivery methods and target regions:
| Product Group | Sub-Category / Product Name | Delivery Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum & Chemicals | EN590 10 PPM Diesel, Sulfuric Acid | FOB, CFR | High-volume bulk shipments to Algeria, Libya, Senegal |
| Agricultural & Food | Wheat Flour, Pasta, Molasses, Confectionery | FOB, CIF | Essential food staples for Sub-Saharan markets |
| Steel & Construction | Rebars (B500C), Steel Pipes, Structural Profiles | FOB | Turkish steel is widely used in African infrastructure |
| Home Appliances | Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Inverters | FOB | Strong market penetration, especially in North Africa |
| Medical & Hygiene | Disinfectants, Latex Gloves, PPE Supplies | FOB, CIF | Pandemic demand boosted long-term health-related trade |
✅ All shipments are executed under internationally recognized documentation: ATB (Authorization to Board), RECAP, SGS inspection, and DIP & PAY when applicable.
Key Export Highlights
- Infrastructure Projects: Turkish companies are involved in road, airport, and housing construction across Ethiopia, Ghana, and Sudan — creating demand for steel and machinery exports.
- Energy Supplies: Fuel exports such as low-sulfur diesel (EN590 10 PPM) play a crucial role in meeting power generation and transport needs in North and West Africa.
- Food Security: Turkey is emerging as a reliable supplier of basic food items, particularly to drought-affected nations in East Africa.
- Technological Penetration: Household appliances and Turkish-manufactured electronics are increasingly favored due to affordability and durability.
2025 Vision: Strategic Goals
As of 2025, Turkey aims to:
- ✅ Double its trade volume with Africa to reach $50 billion USD by year-end.
- ✅ Establish two new trade missions in Central Africa (e.g., Cameroon, DR Congo).
- ✅ Implement blockchain-based documentation systems for export verification via IPFS + QR Code validation.
- ✅ Expand FOB-based storage terminals in Mersin and Iskenderun specifically dedicated to African-bound cargo.
The roadmap is clear: Turkey is not only selling goods but also exporting reliability, speed, and integrated trade services. This positions Turkish exporters ahead of competitors relying on slower or less transparent systems.
2025 Strategy and Export Metrics
Turkey’s trade relationship with West Africa has matured into a structured and results-oriented partnership. The use of the FOB (Free on Board) delivery model has been instrumental in facilitating this growth, providing African buyers with flexibility in logistics while allowing Turkish exporters to maintain high standards in documentation and product readiness.
The Importance of the FOB Model
FOB is the most practical model for long-distance shipments between Turkey and West Africa. In this model, the seller fulfills its obligation when the goods are loaded on the vessel at a designated Turkish port. From that point forward, the buyer assumes responsibility for the cargo, including freight and insurance.
For West African importers, this model offers:
- Full control over freight terms
- Cost transparency
- Reduced delivery risk through SGS-inspected cargo
- Immediate access to international shipping routes from Turkish ports such as Mersin, Iskenderun, and Derince
Main Turkish Products Exported to West Africa via FOB (2025 Data)
The table below outlines the most exported products from Turkey to West Africa in 2025 under the FOB model, including destination countries and estimated annual tonnage.
| Product Category | Example Products | Destination Countries | Annual Volume (Metric Tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum & Derivatives | EN590 10 PPM Diesel, Base Oils, Bitumen | Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast | 1,200,000+ |
| Steel & Construction | B500C Steel Rebars, Steel Pipes, Flat Steel Sheets | Senegal, Benin, Togo | 850,000+ |
| Food & Agricultural | Wheat Flour, Pasta, Molasses | Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso | 700,000+ |
| Building Materials | Cement, Ceramic Tiles, Gypsum Powder | Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia | 550,000+ |
| Home Appliances | Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Inverters | Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal | 100,000+ |
| Chemicals | Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Industrial Paints | Côte d’Ivoire, Togo | 90,000+ |
| Textiles & Apparel | T-Shirts, Workwear, Industrial Fabrics | Cameroon, Benin, Guinea-Bissau | 65,000+ |
All products are delivered from bonded warehouses with full documentation, including Authorization to Board (ATB), Certificate of Origin (CO), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and SGS Inspection Certificate.
Key Turkish Ports Serving West Africa
- Mersin Port is widely used for petrochemical and food exports.
- Iskenderun Port handles high-volume steel and bulk cargo.
- Derince Port specializes in textiles, packaged goods, and electronics.
Each of these ports is supported by strong road and rail connectivity to Turkey’s industrial zones.
Export Process Under FOB Terms
- Contract signing and down payment
- Goods prepared at bonded warehouse
- SGS or third-party inspection arranged by buyer
- Cargo loaded onto vessel at Turkish port
- Issuance of export documents, transfer of ownership
2025 Strategic Goals for Turkey–West Africa Trade
Turkey aims to increase its FOB-based exports to West Africa by 35 percent compared to 2024. The 2025 target volume exceeds 3 million metric tons, focusing on bulk energy products, steel, food, and industrial chemicals.
New shipping routes between Mersin and key West African ports such as Dakar, Abidjan, and Lagos are in development. Turkey also plans to implement blockchain-based document verification across all FOB deliveries to enhance authenticity and traceability.
Technical and Operational Excellence
Turkish exporters have built a reliable ecosystem for FOB trade, ensuring that each shipment is:
- Fully documented
- Verified by global inspection firms
- Logistically optimized
- Compliant with all destination customs protocols
This technical capability, combined with flexible trade terms, places Turkey in a strong position to serve West African markets through 2025 and beyond.
Final Note on Technical Competence
ATABAŞ GRUP and other Turkish exporters demonstrate high-level operational readiness for African markets. From SGS certified cargoes to multi-language documentation, from smart contracting to fast port clearance the trade model is built on accuracy, trust, and compliance.
2025 is not just a year of expansion it’s a year of deeper strategic integration between Turkey and Africa.