Türkiye’s exports to Africa reached $13.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, rising 12.6% from the same period last year as logistics networks, construction projects and commercial ties with the continent expand.
Exports to Africa increased 16.3% in July alone to $2.3 billion, according to the Foreign Economic Relations Board’s Türkiye-Africa Business Council.
Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa Drive Growth
Egypt recorded particularly strong growth, with Turkish exports rising 49.3% in July to $426.2 million and 26.1% during January-July to $2.3 billion.
Exports to South Africa increased 8.3% in July to $66.9 million and 31.3% over the seven-month period to $479 million. Nigeria saw exports rise 7.5% in July to $60.2 million and 52.1% during the first seven months to $453.2 million.
Exports to Libya reached $289 million in July, up 22.4%, while seven-month exports rose 2.3% to $1.59 billion. Tunisia recorded a 9.9% increase to more than $720 million.
Exports to Niger surged 80.5% in July to $255 million, taking the seven-month total above $302 million.
Meanwhile, July exports to Morocco and Algeria fell 24.8% to $277.5 million and 5.8% to $142.5 million respectively. Over the first seven months, however, exports to Morocco rose 11.7% to $2.43 billion, while exports to Algeria declined 18.8% to $1.09 billion.
Infrastructure Supports Trade
Türkiye-Africa Business Council Chair Osman Aksoy attributed the growth to years of commercial diplomacy and expanding transport connections.
Turkish Airlines now serves more than 60 destinations across Africa, while expanded maritime container routes have improved trade links. Turkish contracting companies have also contributed through projects involving roads, ports, housing and airports.
Machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, automotive products, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food and construction materials were among the leading export sectors.
From Exports to Local Investment
Aksoy said Turkish companies should increasingly move from direct exports towards local production, joint ventures, distributor networks and flexible financing.
Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria offer particularly strong opportunities. He highlighted Egypt’s Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye and its position as a gateway to COMESA markets, while suggesting greater investment in the Turkish Organized Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal region.
South Africa offers opportunities in industrial equipment, electronics and renewable energy, while Nigeria’s large market could support local-currency trade, barter arrangements and direct supplies of industrial and food-processing machinery.
Other opportunities include energy, infrastructure, construction, electricity, healthcare, agriculture and food in Libya; textiles, automotive components, machinery and technology in Tunisia; and energy, agriculture, irrigation, mining and infrastructure across Niger and the Sahel.
Aksoy said a country-specific, sector-focused approach will be essential for Turkish companies seeking to turn Africa’s growing demand into long-term investment and partnerships.