Turkey’s International Economic Relations: The Nature and the Scope of Turkish Economic Ties with Africa

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to assess the tendency and dynamics of Turkey’s economic relations with selective countries in Africa. The research question is whether these economic ties rely upon economic or political incentives and to what degree. Current literature examines Turkish economic relations focusing on China, the Western Balkans, the Gulf, and the Middle East, while little has been said about Turkey’s rising role in Africa as an economic power. In addition, most of the studies approach this issue from a geostrategic perspective rather than the economic one. In order to answer the research question, it is necessary to examine the correlation between macroeconomic and political variables in order to assess whether high levels of Turkish economic connectivity with African states emerge as a result of market operation or emerge as a consequence of political goals or is a combination of both of them. From 2000 onwards I will examine the dynamics and the tendencies of Turkish economic relations with selective African countries in terms of indicators including trade relations, FDIs, development, and humanitarian assistance. I will then assess to what extent those international economic relations tendencies coincide with Turkish political and geostrategic considerations.