Turkiye identifies agriculture as a priority in its 2025-2029 Africa strategy, targeting cooperation in food processing, irrigation, agricultural technology and climate-resilient farming to strengthen food security and trade.
Turkiye is seeking to strengthen agricultural and food-sector cooperation with African countries by combining its expertise in agricultural production, technology, machinery and agro-industry with the continent's growing production potential. The initiative forms part of Türkiye's Strategy for Developing Commercial and Economic Relations with Africa for 2025-2029, which identifies agriculture as a priority area for bilateral and regional cooperation.
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat outlined the country's objectives, following his participation in the Sixth Africa Agriculture and Food Summit in Istanbul. He highlighted Africa's natural resources, expanding markets, young population and agricultural potential, describing the continent as an important partner for Turkiye's economic engagement.
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Bolat said Türkiye aims to translate its agricultural capabilities into practical partnerships that support food security, employment generation and sustainable development across African markets. The proposed cooperation will focus on strengthening agricultural production, improving access to technology and machinery, and developing agro-industrial capabilities.
According to the minister, Africa possesses approximately 60% of the world's uncultivated arable land but imports food products worth between $70 billion and $100 billion annually. Drought, climate change, limited financing, inadequate infrastructure and regional conflicts continue to affect agricultural productivity and food security across several African countries.
To address these challenges, Türkiye is looking to expand cooperation in food processing, agricultural infrastructure and climate-resilient farming. Modernising food-processing facilities, developing cold-chain infrastructure and improving drying and packaging capabilities are among the areas identified for collaboration. These investments could help reduce post-harvest losses, improve food preservation and increase the value of agricultural products before they reach domestic and international markets.
The proposed partnership will also cover irrigation systems and the development of drought-resistant crop varieties to strengthen agricultural resilience against changing climate conditions. Türkiye intends to combine its experience in agricultural technology and exports with Africa's available land resources and rising food demand to support more sustainable production systems.
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The initiative builds on the broader expansion of Türkiye-Africa economic relations. According to figures shared by Bolat, bilateral trade increased from $5.4 billion in 2003 to nearly $40 billion in 2025, representing an approximately eightfold rise. Türkiye's exports to African countries reached around $24 billion during the same period, while imports stood at approximately $16 billion.
Under the 2025-2029 strategy, Türkiye also plans to strengthen commercial mechanisms, organise business delegations and expand cooperation in sectors including energy, mining, transportation and banking. The agricultural initiative forms part of these wider efforts to develop long-term economic partnerships with African countries.