ISTANBUL

The African Union (AU) aims to boost cooperation with Turkish companies in the processing of Africa's minerals and the development of renewable energy projects, one of the bloc's top officials said.

"Türkiye is an important partner for us in Africa," Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, the AU commissioner for economic development, trade, tourism, industry and mining, told Anadolu on the sidelines of the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum, in Istanbul on Oct. 16-17.

"As the commissioner for economic development of the African Union Commission, we welcome this opportunity in bringing both African and Turkish business people together as well as ministers. I think this is a great opportunity for a win-win cooperation and ventures," she added.

Belobe said the AU is particularly interested in working with Turkish firms in the "processing of value addition, both of our minerals and of other industrial products that the continent is producing."

She praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for strengthening ties with Africa through greater engagement by the foreign and trade ministries, calling it "a visionary aspect."

Africa, she said, has "growth potential in different sectors," including minerals, agriculture and energy. Turkish investment across the continent has reached to about $40.7 billion as of 2025, and Belobe said there is "a great opportunity to go on greater figures."

Energy remains one of Africa's biggest challenges, Belobe said.

"To boost industrialization, we need greater energy sources," she said. "Engaging into energy producing activities can only be of benefit while developing the greater customers' services that are also required."

The commissioner added that the AU is increasingly turning its attention to renewables. "Given the era we are in, we hope to benefit from wind energy as well," she said. "This is something we, as the African Union, are looking forward to."

Belobe emphasized that Africa is "open for business, both in green energy and in mining," with common frameworks to guide and attract investors in both sectors.

On financing, she said the AU is working with partners worldwide, including Türkiye, to improve access to development funding.

"This is the issue that we are discussing on multilateral financial levels and with all stakeholders," she said. "We hope and we're working on common strategies to be able to mobilize both direct finance investment, investment financing, but as well as the most domestic financing for development. So, this is a job that's still ongoing."

- Türkiye strengthens partnership with Africa amid rising trade, energy ties

With nearly 1.5 billion people and a combined economy exceeding $3.5 trillion, Africa is emerging as a key force in the global economy.

Türkiye set its sights on deepening ties with the continent two decades ago, declaring 2005 the "Year of Africa." That same year, the country gained observer status at the African Union, and just three years later the AU named Türkiye a "strategic partner."

The initiative evolved into the Africa Partnership Policy in 2013, broadening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and education.

Today, Türkiye has 44 embassies across Africa and has signed numerous trade, investment and tax agreements with African countries. Guided by a "win-win" approach, Türkiye has also expanded energy and mining partnerships, signing cooperation deals with more than 20 nations.

Trade between Türkiye and Africa is on track to reach $40 billion this year and is expected to surpass $50 billion in the coming years.