Why is Turkey Expanding it’s Reach in West Africa?

Turkey is quietly becoming a powerful player in West Africa. From floating power plants supplying electricity to oil and gas deals in Senegal, to building mosques and offering scholarships to students, Turkey’s presence is growing and it’s not by accident. 

This is part of a bigger plan: to build influence not with force, but with relationships, education, religion, and trade. So, why is Turkey doing this and why now?

This is a different kind of power

Unlike former colonial powers like France or aggressive economic players like China, Turkey is choosing a softer path. It’s using what experts call “soft power” focusing on diplomacy, education, religion, and culture to win hearts and minds.

Turkey’s government is leading the charge, with embassies and state agencies like Diyanet (its religious affairs office), TIKA (its development arm), and the Maarif Foundation (which oversees Turkish schools abroad). 

At the same time, Turkish NGOs, religious foundations, and business leaders have been laying the groundwork for years long before Turkey’s official interest picked up.

The goal is clear: build deep, lasting relationships in Africa that go beyond just business deals.

Education as a long-term investment

One of Turkey’s smartest strategies has been investing in African students. Since the 1990s, thousands of students from West Africa have studied in Turkey, thanks to generous scholarships, simplified visa processes, and reduced tuition fees. 

Many of these students are now graduates working across Africa in trade, medicine, business, and even as religious leaders.

This isn’t just charity, it’s a long-term move. These former students are now part of Turkey’s network, promoting Turkish universities, supporting tourism, and starting businesses that connect Turkey and Africa. It’s a way of creating loyal, capable allies in the region.

Groups like the Federation of African Students in Turkey and Bizim Afrika (a network of African Turkish-speakers) are helping solidify this growing relationship. It’s a shift that’s now making Turkey more relevant than ever across West Africa.

Religion, Trade, and Security

Religion is also part of Turkey’s approach. Through building mosques and supporting Islamic schools, Turkey appeals to the faith of many in West Africa. It’s building familiarity and trust,  not through force, but shared values.

On the trade side, Turkish companies are everywhere, in construction, energy, textiles, and logistics. Floating power firm Karpowership is providing electricity to eight African countries. 

Turkish Airlines is now one of the biggest carriers on the continent, flying to 41 African nations. And Turkey’s booming health and beauty industry is now a go-to for hair transplants and cosmetic surgery for African visitors.

Security is also part of the mix. As France loses ground in parts of the Sahel due to growing resistance, Turkey is offering drones and private military help to some governments,  filling a gap and gaining influence along the way.

Why It is working

A big reason Turkey’s efforts are paying off is timing. Many young Africans are questioning the influence of Western powers. Visa rules in Europe, Canada, and the US have become stricter, while Turkey has opened its doors.

 It’s become easier to visit, study, trade, and work with Turkey, making it an appealing alternative to old colonial ties.

Turkey is also visible in everyday life across West African cities in schools, restaurants, businesses, and religious spaces. From a Turkish-style mosque in Accra to Turkish-run hospitals and restaurants in places like Niamey, the signs are everywhere.

Will Turkey’s influence last?

So far, Turkey’s strategy seems to be working. In 2022, trade between Turkey and Africa hit $40.7 billion. Its diplomatic presence has exploded from just 12 embassies in 2003 to 44 today. Turkey has observer status at the African Union and has been hosting Africa-focused summits since 2008.

The future of Turkey’s role in West Africa will depend on how well it adapts to the continent’s changing political and economic needs. But with education, trade, and religion as its tools, Turkey has already planted deep roots and it’s showing no signs of pulling back.

In a time when Africa is rethinking its old alliances, Turkey is positioning itself not as a savior or a superpower, but as a long-term partner. And that just might be its smartest move yet.