Turkey - ECOWAS Business and Economic Forum 2017

20 November 2017

Our Commitment to the Forum

Istanbul Africa Trade Company was present during the ECOWAS Business and Economic Forum. Company executive Mete Unal participated in conferences and networking sessions. During these events, we African businessman about the business landscape and opportunities in Turkey.

Turkey and Africa Together

Turkey has long-standing historical and cultural relations with the African continent, dating back centuries. And, relations with Africa constitute one of the prime orientations of Turkish foreign policy.

Turkey-Africa relations have gained a substantial momentum since the declaration of Turkey as a strategic partner of the Continent by the African Union in January 2008. Turkey has given further boost to its Africa policy as of 2013. Also in 2014, Turkey Africa Cooperation Summit has been done in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Turkey’s decade-long economic boom has been accompanied by a renewed interest in Africa and the trade volume with the Continent has been tripled to 16.7 billion USD in 2016 compared to 5.4 billion USD in 2003.

Turkey’s “win-win" approach towards Africa has culminated in this burgeoning relation between parties. This policy focuses on political equality, transparency, sustainability and mutual economic development rather than creating new relations of dependence, tutelage and exploitation.

Main Objectives of the Forum

• Raising the awareness of Turkish/ West African business circles to West African States and Turkey.
• Analyzing the current situation of Turkey-West Africa trade and economic relations.
• Seeking the cooperation opportunities between Turkey and West Africa and discussing the challenges.
• Encouraging both Turkish and West African private sector entrepreneurs to create investment opportunities in both sides.
• Evaluating new approaches to Turkish investments in West Africa.
• Increasing interaction among the business communities of Turkey and West Africa.

Participants from Turkey & ECOWAS Member States

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo

• Turkish Minister of Economy and Ministers of ECOWAS Member States (Trade, Investment, Economy, and Finance)
• African Union, Africa Development Bank, Ecobank and Turkish Eximbank
• Financial Institutions
• Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs)
• Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• Business Councils, Associations, Professional Organizations and Entrepreneurs from Turkey and West Africa
• Diplomatic Missions to Turkey
• Mass Media from Turkey and West Africa

Turkish And African Investors

• Discuss immediate opportunities
• Establish relationships with Turkish public and private operators
• Demonstrate your expertise and your business
• Meet with Turkish and regional managers and economic players
• Privileged access to Turkish and African media