Turkey-Africa Partnership: A visual representation of the growing alliance.

Turkey & Africa: Building a New Security Alliance?

Rhea Morgan in Global Affairs June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring evolving patterns in security relations and what they mean for the future of geopolitics"

In recent years, Turkey has dramatically increased its engagement with Africa, evolving from primarily economic and humanitarian efforts to a more pronounced security partnership. This shift marks a significant development in international relations, as Turkey seeks to redefine its role on the global stage and African nations look for new allies and sources of support.

Once maintaining a limited presence with only 12 diplomatic missions in Africa before 2009, Turkey now boasts 41, signaling its deepened commitment. Economic ties have also surged, from $5.4 billion in 2003 to nearly $20 billion in 2017. Beyond trade, Turkey has become a major provider of humanitarian aid and a key investor in various African economies.

This burgeoning relationship has expanded into the security realm, with Turkey signing military, security, and defense agreements with over 25 African countries. The establishment of Turkey's largest overseas military base in Somalia in 2017 underscores the growing strategic importance of this partnership. But what are the underlying drivers and potential consequences of this evolving alliance?

Why Turkey's Security Interests in Africa are on the Rise?

Turkey-Africa Partnership: A visual representation of the growing alliance.

Several factors contribute to Turkey's increasing focus on security cooperation with Africa. Historically, Turkey maintained strategic relations, but under the AK Party governments, this engagement has intensified, encompassing both low and high politics. This includes not only economic and cultural exchanges, but also defense and military cooperation.

Turkey sees Africa as a vital partner in its pursuit of a more independent and multi-dimensional foreign policy. Diversifying its relationships beyond the traditional Western alliances is crucial for Turkey's national interests, particularly as it seeks to establish itself as a significant global player.

Historical Ties: A legacy of cultural and political connections dating back to the Ottoman Empire provides a foundation for cooperation.
Economic Opportunities: Africa's rich resources and growing markets offer potential for Turkish businesses and investment.
Security Concerns: Shared interests in combating terrorism and piracy create avenues for collaboration.
Geopolitical Ambitions: Turkey aims to project power and influence in a strategically important region.

Moreover, Turkey's growing defense industry seeks new markets, and Africa presents a significant opportunity. By providing military training and equipment, Turkey strengthens its ties with African nations while bolstering its own economic and strategic position. The Turkish government actively promotes this engagement through various channels, including NGOs, business forums, and academic exchanges.

What Does the Future Hold for Turkey-Africa Security Cooperation?

The evolving security partnership between Turkey and Africa presents both opportunities and challenges. For Turkey, it offers a chance to expand its influence, promote its defense industry, and secure access to vital resources. For African nations, it provides an alternative source of support, diversification away from traditional Western powers, and potential for economic and security development. However, questions remain about the long-term impact of this alliance. Will it contribute to stability and prosperity in Africa, or will it exacerbate existing tensions and create new dependencies? Only time will tell.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/10246029.2018.1550429, Alternate LINK

Title: Turkey-Africa Alliance: Evolving Patterns In Security Relations

Subject: Law

Journal: African Security Review

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Abdurrahim Sıradağ

Published: 2018-10-02

Everything You Need To Know

How has Turkey's relationship with Africa changed in recent years, and what key developments mark this evolution?

Turkey's increased engagement with Africa has evolved from economic and humanitarian efforts to a security partnership involving military, security, and defense agreements with over 25 African countries. This includes establishing Turkey's largest overseas military base in Somalia in 2017. This deepening relationship allows Turkey to redefine its role on the global stage, while African nations seek new allies and sources of support.

What are the main factors that explain Turkey's increasing focus on security cooperation with Africa?

Several factors drive Turkey's increasing security cooperation with Africa. These include historical ties dating back to the Ottoman Empire, economic opportunities stemming from Africa's rich resources and growing markets, shared security concerns in combating terrorism and piracy, and Turkey's geopolitical ambition to project power and influence in a strategically important region. Additionally, Turkey's growing defense industry seeks new markets in Africa.

How does engagement with Africa support Turkey's broader foreign policy objectives?

Turkey aims to achieve a more independent and multi-dimensional foreign policy by engaging with Africa. Diversifying its relationships beyond traditional Western alliances is vital for Turkey's national interests. This engagement helps Turkey establish itself as a significant global player, fostering stronger economic, political, and security ties with African nations.

What are the potential benefits and challenges of the evolving security partnership between Turkey and Africa for both sides?

For Turkey, the evolving security partnership with Africa offers a chance to expand its influence, promote its defense industry, and secure access to vital resources. For African nations, it provides an alternative source of support, diversification away from traditional Western powers, and potential for economic and security development. This partnership can lead to mutual benefits, but its long-term impact on stability and prosperity remains to be seen.

What channels does Turkey use to actively promote and strengthen its engagement with African nations?

Turkey promotes its engagement with Africa through various channels, including NGOs, business forums, and academic exchanges. The Turkish government actively supports and facilitates these interactions to strengthen ties and foster cooperation across different sectors. By leveraging these diverse platforms, Turkey aims to build strong and sustainable relationships with African nations, enhancing its influence and presence on the continent.