Within the framework of Africa-Turkey Partnership and its Action Plan, the African Union Commission through the Department of Economic Affairs organized the first Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum from 2-3 November 2016 in Istanbul Turkey.
The Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum was mainly aimed at promoting Turkish and Africa investments through analyzing trade and economic relations between Africa and Turkey; evaluating Turkey’s approach to investment in Africa; facilitating interaction between the two business communities and initiating dialogue between Turkish investors, the AU and the RECs. It was also aimed at highlighting the Expectations engendered by Agenda 2063 as a program for social, economic and political transformation that will make Africa a prosperous, united and economically independent Continent.
Overall the Forum was attended by around 3000 participants from Africa and Turkey, including among others, President of Chad the current AU chair, Ministers, and other senior officials, Chief Executive Officers of multilateral organizations, women and youth entrepreneurs as well as other high ranking Businessmen and Businesswomen from both sides.
42 African countries attended, 36 African Ministers participated, and 4 RECs attended over 1500 participants were from Africa.
During the first day, Opening statements were made by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad and current AU chair, Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping, Commissioner for Economic Affairs, and President of DEIK
After the opening, the Forum, discussions touched upon issues related to “Business in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” and “Financing of Investment Projects in Africa: Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy” among others
Minister for Economy in Turkey and the AUC Commissioner for Economic Affairs Department were chairing and co-chairing respectively during the closing session of the Ministerial Meeting.
