In recent years, Türkiye has seen expanding its influence in Africa as an important part of its global political and economic activities and has been strengthening its military presence on the continent through arms sales and military cooperation, according to European media.
Türkiye has established 37 military offices in Africa, signed security agreements with many countries and sold arms and military equipment to at least 24 African countries. Türkiye also seeks to set up military training camps in nations such as Somalia and control military bases in countries like Chad.
Arms exports emerge as an important factor in attracting Türkiye's partners in Africa. Türkiye exports a variety of military equipment to Africa, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), attack helicopters, training aircraft, armored vehicles, naval equipment and small arms. Turkish UAVs in particular are in great demand and often in short supply.
In October 2021, following his visit to Africa, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Türkiye's UAVs garnered significant interest. In the same year, Türkiye's arms exports to Africa rose to $328 million, a nearly 7-fold increase compared to $41 million in 2020.
With the effect of its arms exports, Türkiye continues to strengthen its influence on the continent by intensifying its military cooperation with African countries. Türkiye, özellikle ticaret açısından kritik öneme sahip Afrika Boynuzu bölgesine büyük önem veriyor. 2017 yılında, Türkiye, Somali’nin başkenti Mogadişu’da 50 milyon dolarlık yatırımla “Türk-Somali Kampı” adlı bir askerî eğitim merkezi kurdu. More than 15,000 Somali soldiers have graduated from the base to date. Türkiye is also providing training to the special forces of the Somali army at the Eğirdir Mountain Commando School.
Türkiye and Somalia signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2024, which stipulates that Türkiye will furnish the Somali navy with military equipment and training. In return, Türkiye will receive 30 per cent of the revenue generated by the Somali government's exclusive economic zone.
Apart from Somalia, Türkiye has signed security agreements with Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, and it trains these countries' security forces to combat extremist groups and pirate activities. Türkiye signed a new agreement with the Chad government in February 2025, thereby acquiring the right to use the base from which French troops withdrew in January. The National Intelligence Organization also established an intelligence center in Agadez, Niger. Because of Agadez's strategic location and significant uranium reserves, the Niger government is trying to protect the region from attacks by rebel groups. Türkiye's presence in the region proves that it offers a cooperative model that is in the mutual interest of all parties.