Over the past decade, Türkiye has grown into one of Africa’s most active and reliable partners, not only in trade but also in diplomacy and defence. As someone leading a Turkish defence manufacturing company with deep roots in the African continent, I’ve seen this transformation up close.
We are proud to contribute to this growing partnership through delivering reliable military and police gear and building trust.
Türkiye’s diplomatic model
Türkiye’s foreign policy in Africa follows a distinct path compared to traditional partners. It focuses on building practical cooperation.
Since launching its “Opening to Africa” policy in 2005, Türkiye has steadily expanded its presence on the continent. The progress has been measurable.
- 44 Turkish embassies now operate across the African continent (up from just 12 in 2009).
- 30+ African embassies are now open in Ankara, a sign of mutual investment and trust.
- The Turkish-African Partnership Summits, held every few years, set clear goals in sectors like defence, education, health, and infrastructure.
When we sit down with a Ministry of Defence or a National Police Force in an African country, we’re there to understand realities, operational needs, logistical limits, and expectations for local capacity building.
This is Türkiye’s strength: it combines diplomacy with business in a way that serves development, not dependency. That’s what makes long-term partnerships possible, and that’s why African institutions come back to Turkish companies when trust and results matter most.
We’ve learned that success in Africa is about presence and shared purpose. And I believe Türkiye, through companies like ours, is one of the few nations truly committed to that path.
In the coming years, as the continent continues to shape global trends in security, energy, and trade, this approach will only grow in importance. My advice to fellow business leaders: invest in understanding and operate with consistency. That’s how you earn a seat at the table and how you stay there.
Balancing business and diplomacy in African defence
As CEO of a company focused on uniforms, protective gear, and tactical equipment, I’ve learned that the best business relationships in Africa are built on diplomatic understanding.
- Understand local climate, missions, and terrain
- Offer flexible manufacturing and logistics options
- Build durable relationships, not just contracts
Türkiye’s success in African defence markets is also tied to education and technology sharing.
Key numbers: Türkiye-Africa defence snapshot
(Source: Turkish Exporters Assembly, Anadolu Agency)
- $650 million: Türkiye’s defence and aviation exports to Africa (2023)
- Over 30% growth in Turkish textile exports to African security forces
- Top African buyers: Algeria, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, and Rwanda
- Most demanded products: Tactical uniforms, bulletproof vests, helmets, drones
Let me share a few real examples from countries where we operated:
In countries like Chad, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, we’ve built long-term partnerships by listening carefully to local needs and adapting to each country’s specific environment and operational challenges. From harsh climates to complex logistics, our focus has always been on consistency, responsiveness, and trust.
Turkish companies are well-positioned to continue offering exactly that, and Raff Military Textile will proudly remain part of that mission.
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