Raphael Parens & Marcel Plichta
What Does Turkey Want in Africa?
Turkey is not the largest power interested in Africa. Its economic engagement, arms sales, and foreign aid are dwarfed by one or more of the major powers. However, its position as a minor player is often a major advantage. Having a more modest presence on the continent than the US, China, Russia, or the EU means that Ankara can invest deeply in core areas of interest. Even though it is a NATO member with historical enmity toward Russia and a history of colonialism in North Africa under the Ottoman Empire, Ankara has positioned itself, its NGOs, and its contractors as fairly neutral actors compared to the competition. Where some countries might be worried about dealing with Russia or China for fear of backlash from the US or EU, Turkey often delivers security and economic benefits without upsetting the Great Powers.
So, what does Turkey want out of its partnerships in Africa? Unlike the larger powers, Ankara sees Africa as a core part of its global political and economic engagement, following in the footsteps of its Ottoman forefathers. Turkey could benefit from such new relations by expanding diplomatic support at the UN, becoming a pressure reliever for Syrian political and refugee issues, and negotiating favorable economic trade deals. Growing its political and economic influence in Africa also establishes an avenue to compete with regional rivals in the Middle East. To grow its economic and political clout, Turkey often pairs its projects with military elements through security and resource protection activities or arms sales.
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