Turkiye’s exports to Africa surge to $13.3 bn in first seven months of 2026

Turkish exports to African nations experienced a 12.6 percent increase year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $13.3 billion. This surge in trade reflects the strengthening ties between Türkiye and the African continent, according to Osman Aksoy, coordinator chairman of the Türkiye-Africa Business Councils at the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK).

July saw particularly strong growth, with Turkish exports to Africa surging 16.3 percent year-on-year, amounting to $2.3 billion. Egypt remained the top destination for Turkish exports, with shipments to the country increasing 49.3 percent year-on-year to $426.2 million in July, with overall exports to Egypt rising 26.1 percent, surpassing $2.3 billion.

Nigeria witnessed the most significant growth among major African markets, with Turkish exports to Nigeria climbing 52.1 percent to $453.2 million in the first seven months of the year, with July exports rising 7.5 percent year-on-year to $60.2 million. South Africa also experienced considerable growth, with exports increasing 31.3 percent during the first seven months, totaling $479 million.

Though Libya remained an important market, its exports to Türkiye rose only 2.3 percent, totaling $1.59 billion. Tunisia registered a 9.9 percent increase during the January-July period, with exports reaching $720 million, while July exports to Tunisia were modest at $101 million, reflecting a 0.3 percent increase. In July, exports to Niger saw an 80.5 percent year-on-year surge, reaching $255 million, with a 8 percent increase for the first seven months, amounting to $302 million.

The solid rise in exports to several African nations underscores Türkiye's expanding commercial engagement with the continent, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available to Turkish exporters.