Rabat – Morocco was the largest African destination for Turkish exports during the first six months of 2026, receiving $2.1 billion worth of goods, according to new data from the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM).
The figure represents a 19.1% increase compared to the same period last year, making Morocco not only Turkiye’s biggest export market in Africa but also one of the fastest-growing. Turkish exports to Morocco increased by $345.6 million year-on-year, second only to Egypt in terms of the value of export growth.
The latest figures reflect the deepening economic relationship between Rabat and Ankara, with Morocco continuing to rely on Turkish imports across several sectors, including textiles, industrial products, machinery, construction materials, and household goods.
Osman Aksoy, chair of the Turkiye-Africa Business Council at the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), said Morocco’s stable economic policies and investment-friendly environment have helped make the country a key destination for Turkish businesses.
He also described Morocco as a production and distribution hub linking Europe and West Africa, pointing to the strategic role of Tanger Med Port and the country’s growing renewable energy sector.
Aksoy said preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup are expected to create additional opportunities for Turkish companies.
“We believe that transportation, urban planning, and infrastructure investments to be made as part of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, will create opportunities for the Turkish construction sector, building material manufacturers, and services sectors,” he said.
Beyond Morocco, Egypt ranked second among African destinations for Turkish exports, receiving $1.9 billion worth of goods during the first half of the year, followed by Libya with $1.3 billion.
Egypt recorded the largest increase in export value, with Turkish exports rising by $349.4 million compared to last year. Nigeria, South Africa, Djibouti, Mali, Ethiopia, Liberia, Tunisia, and Somalia also posted notable increases.
Overall, Turkish exports to Africa reached $11 billion during the first half of 2026, up 12% from a year earlier. In June alone, exports to the continent jumped 32% to $1.9 billion.
Aksoy attributed the growth to stronger diplomatic ties, expanding business partnerships, and Africa’s increasing demand for technology transfer, joint manufacturing, and long-term investment rather than traditional trade alone.
He said Turkish companies are increasingly focusing on producing locally, creating jobs, and sharing expertise across African markets as they seek to build lasting partnerships on the continent.
