Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Comoros to be honored in strategic sectors

The three Indian Ocean countries: Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Comoros will participate in the Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) on October 16 and 17, 2025, at the Istanbul Convention Center.

The Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) is organizing the event under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Trade, in coordination with the African Union, to strengthen economic cooperation between the two continents.

The main theme, “Strengthening Turkey-Africa Relations for Mutual Benefits,” will focus on strategic sectors: agriculture and food, renewable energy, transportation and logistics, textiles, public works, defense, and digital technologies.

The forum will open with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Angolan President João Goncalves Lourenço, current Chairperson of the African Union. Several African Ministers of Economy, Trade, and Finance will participate in the discussions. The African Development Bank (AfDB), Afreximbank, and Türk Eximbank, as well as chambers of commerce, NGOs, and professional associations, will support the discussions.

Participants will attend thematic panels and B2B and G2B sessions. Highlights include the Türkiye-Africa Dialogue on Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship, which will bring together First Ladies Emine Erdoğan and Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço. Turkish and African businesswomen will share their experiences and propose strategies to strengthen the presence of women in leadership positions.

The participation of Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Comoros underscores Turkey’s interest in island economies. These countries offer opportunities in logistics, tourism, and natural resources.

Trade between Turkey and Africa has grown rapidly: USD 5.4 billion in 2003 and USD 32.8 billion in 2024. Turkey aims for a trade volume of USD 75 billion in the coming years, based on the principle of a win-win partnership.

It should be noted that the previous edition brought together 53 African countries in Istanbul. Kamalidine Souef, then former Comorian Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, signed several cooperation protocols.