Turkey’s renowned arms manufacturer, Atesci, has announced a significant investment in a joint venture with Afridex, aimed at establishing a munitions production facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This strategic partnership is set to bolster local manufacturing capabilities, with an emphasis on producing a wide range of munitions calibres.
The collaboration is funded by an investment of tens of millions of euros, which highlights Atesci’s plans to boost its defence manufacturing in the region. The initiative is not only a testament to Atesci’s expansion strategy but also reflects the growing trend of international defence firms investing in African markets.
The production facility is expected to commence operations in July, marking a pivotal step towards self-reliance in munitions supply for the region.
Atesci also won a major contract in Nairobi to install ammunition production lines for the Kenya Army in 2022, however, it is uncertain if the business ongoing.
Proforce Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian company specializing in armoured vehicle manufacturing, repairs and refurbishment also signed a technical partnership with Atesci for ammunition production.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the just recently concluded IDEF’19, 14th International Defence Industry Fair held in Turkey.
Atesci which is located in Ostim, Yenimahalle, Ankara the largest industrial zone in Turkey designs and assembles various machinery, tooling and equipment as well as turn-key ammunition production line solutions.
Atesci’s venture is part of a broader trend of Turkish defense firms increasing their global footprint. Since 2019, keen to reassert Turkey’s international status, and also to help Turkish companies to break into the African market, the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been spearheading a major diplomatic and business drive in Africa.
Meanwhile, Atesci designed, manufactured and supplied a large number of individual machines from its early inventory to all around the world including Namibia.