Africa’s trade corridors are opening up major opportunities for investors, serving as strategic routes that unite investment, human resources, expertise, and digital transformation across the continent.
Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul, Eric Melet, CEO of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), said the continent’s trade corridors play a vital role in economic growth. According to him, more than 15,000 of AGL’s 23,000 employees work directly in these corridors.
Organised by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK) in coordination with the African Union (AU), this year’s forum is being held under the theme “Leveraging Türkiye–Africa Relations for Mutual Gains.”
Melet highlighted that the routes connecting different parts of Africa are key to strengthening economic integration:
“For instance, to reach and effectively serve the Democratic Republic of Congo, one can use the East Africa route – particularly through Tanzania. The South African and West African routes, such as the Lobito Corridor where we operate the port, are also strategically important,” he said.
He underlined that finding the right business model is essential when investing in Africa’s private sector:
“Some projects have proved unprofitable. Therefore, investment should focus not only on capital but also on human resources. Africa has a huge talent pool, but training and developing this workforce through investment is crucial.”
Melet noted that AGL invests around $600 million in its African assets each year. He added that the West, South and East African corridors remain among the most attractive destinations for investors, but railway investments should be prioritised as they significantly accelerate corridor development.
According to Melet, the overall investment Africa receives still falls short of meeting the continent’s annual needs. However, Turkish companies are well positioned to bridge this gap:
“Turkish firms have the know-how, capacity, and deep geopolitical and historical ties with Africa. These make Türkiye a natural partner for the continent,” he emphasised.
He also revealed that AGL’s first investment outside Africa was in Türkiye, where the company has established a dedicated logistics team.
“Africa needs Türkiye as a partner and investor,” Melet said.
Economic observers note that this model of cooperation not only opens new horizons for African markets but also allows Turkish companies to strengthen their role within global value chains.
An extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been held to reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, with Azerbaij...
Azerbaijan has sent 979 tonnes of fuel to Armenia, as supplies of petroleum products between the two countries continue....
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said Cuba should strike a deal with the United States, warning that the island nation would no longer receive oi...
Israeli gunfire killed at least three Palestinians in two separate incidents across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, local health authorities reported, as te...
Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and other top names will compete for top honours at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, a key event in the run-up to t...
Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and other top names will compete for top honours at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, a key event in the run-up to the Academy Awards. The ceremony is due to take place on Sunday in Beverly Hills, California, recognising achievements across film and television.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 11th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Despite facing challenges in chip manufacturing, Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) researchers are optimistic about narrowing the technological gap with the United States, driven by an increasing culture of risk-taking and innovation.
Elon Musk announced that the social media platform X will make its new algorithm publicly available, including all code related to organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
Türkiye is reportedly in discussions to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a strategic move that could reshape security dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
China, Russia and Iran have begun a week-long joint naval exercise in South African waters, a move that comes amid strained relations between Washington and several members of the expanded BRICS bloc.
Warning of a strategic threat from Russia and China, Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States must acquire Greenland to prevent the Arctic island from falling under foreign control.
An extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been held to reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev taking part amid concern over moves to recognise the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Azerbaijan has sent 979 tonnes of fuel to Armenia, as supplies of petroleum products between the two countries continue.
A protester briefly replaced the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran at its embassy in London with a pre-1979 version during an anti-government demonstration on Saturday, witnesses said.
Iran’s parliament met in an emergency session on Sunday as nationwide protests continued, with rights groups reporting more than 110 deaths.
Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official and adviser to the supreme leader, has said recent protests amount to a security crisis directed from abroad, warning that the aim is to polarise society and weaken national unity at a moment of heightened confrontation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment