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.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup ...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of ...
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and atta...
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending...
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of firms it believes are linked to Beijing's military.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and attacks on aid workers are hindering efforts to contain the disease.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy and food security following high-level meetings held during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the U.S. would bear direct responsibility for any escalation in West Asia after Iran and Israel resumed strikes for the first time since the April ceasefire.
Four Palestinians, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Monday (8 June), according to local health officials, as mediators continued efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment