How is this different from sector and product investigation?

Investigation answers who: which suppliers or buyers fit a defined need. Strategy answers where and how: which markets, products and channels to prioritise in the first place. Many clients start with strategy and then move to an investigation of the chosen markets.

Which African markets do Turkish exporters usually start with?

Large, well-connected markets such as Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are frequent first candidates, but the right ranking depends on your product, price and capacity. Our country profiles are a starting point; the strategy work tests them for your case.

Can the plan include state support programmes?

Yes. We note which Turkish export support programmes may apply to activities in the plan, such as market research or trade fair participation, and what to confirm with the Ministry of Trade or your exporters' association.

How long does a strategy project take?

It depends on the number of markets and the depth required. Scope and timeline are fixed in the written proposal before any work starts.

Services

Trade Strategy Development

We assist our clients with identifying business opportunities, formulating strategic options and defining business winning propositions. We also offer services in improving operational and supply chain processes.

Trade Strategy Development Services

An Experienced Partner

Istanbul Africa Trade Company offers trade-related strategy solutions that allow businesses to choose their preferred level of engagement. Our roadmaps and strategies are focused on the trade objectives of your business, and can focus on individual products or trade support functions.

Regional Synergies

Exporting offers the advantages of new markets, more sales, better profits and a greater number of customers. A clear strategy significantly increases the chances of success. We have deep regional insights in Turkey and African countries, which will benefit your business in the best possible way. As a result, we define possible synergies with your products and the regional market dynamics.

Market Landscape

The market dynamics are the essential element of a successful import and export strategy. We help your company with identifying the market potential, defining how to properly export your products or services to that market, and identifying sales channels.

Company Network

Istanbul Africa Trade Company has an established network in Turkey and African countries. Our network has the benefits of finding the most suitable distributors, suppliers and retailers in your focus countries.

Local Regulations

Istanbul Africa Trade Company has an extensive knowledge in export requirements and export regulations of any potential market before your company start exporting and importing. Our detailed research on trade regulations help you save from any fines and penalties. We also investigate possible trade incentives to increase your profits.

Contact us for your inquiries

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Import Strategy

Importing makes a significant contribution to success and profitability in business. Use of international suppliers is a key part of keeping costs at a low level. An effective import strategy takes into account all the factors of the trade process. We advise on end-to-end trade processes for companies who are willing to initiate import.

Export Strategy

Exporting offers new markets, more sales, better profits and a higher number of customers. A clear and well-defined strategy is a key to success in exporting. The export strategy should be based on an assessment of company position and research into new opportunities in target countries. We advise on how to reach new customers and finance your exports, as well as the legal and tax aspects.

For African importers

Building an import plan from Turkey: product lines, suppliers and volumes
Reducing dependence on a single supplier or a single country
Moving from occasional orders to a regular supply chain

For Turkish exporters

Choosing and ranking African target markets for your product
Deciding between agents, distributors, direct sales or a local partner
Planning trade fairs, trade missions and the use of export support programmes

What you receive

Market assessment
Demand, competition, prices, duties, documentary rules and payment practice for each candidate market or source.
Ranking and recommendation
Two or three priority markets or sources, with the reasons.
Plan
Channels, partner profile, price positioning and the first months of actions, in order.
Rules and incentives
Regulations to meet and support programmes worth checking.
Partner long-list
Distributors, agents, suppliers or retailers to approach first.

How the work runs

Workshop
Goals, products, capacity, budget and constraints.
Research
Candidate markets, channels and competitors.
Options
Two or three strategic options with their trade-offs.
Plan
The recommended option, broken into concrete steps.
Follow-up
Optional support while you carry out the first steps.

What we need from you

Your products, price list and production capacity
Current markets, customers or suppliers
Goals, budget and timeline
Certifications, registrations or other constraints

Where this service stops

Guaranteed sales or a guaranteed buyer
Running your sales team: we introduce and support, you sell
Legal or tax advice on setting up a company abroad: we work with your advisers

Questions about this service

How is this different from sector and product investigation?: Investigation answers who: which suppliers or buyers fit a defined need. Strategy answers where and how: which markets, products and channels to prioritise in the first place. Many clients start with strategy and then move to an investigation of the chosen markets.
Which African markets do Turkish exporters usually start with?: Large, well-connected markets such as Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are frequent first candidates, but the right ranking depends on your product, price and capacity. Our country profiles are a starting point; the strategy work tests them for your case.
Can the plan include state support programmes?: Yes. We note which Turkish export support programmes may apply to activities in the plan, such as market research or trade fair participation, and what to confirm with the Ministry of Trade or your exporters' association.
How long does a strategy project take?: It depends on the number of markets and the depth required. Scope and timeline are fixed in the written proposal before any work starts.

All services

Who you work with

Burak Unal

Founder, Istanbul Africa

Istanbul Africa is Burak Unal's advisory practice. He leads its client work and reviews its country and sector research.

Former financial services consultant at Oliver Wyman
MSc Finance, London School of Economics
BSc Management, Boğaziçi University
Chevening Scholar
LSE thesis on Kenya's textile industry and its effect on the balance of trade

Full profile LinkedIn

Trade Strategy Development

We assist our clients with identifying business opportunities, formulating strategic options and defining business winning propositions. We also offer services in improving operational and supply chain processes.