By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
The journey towards stronger economic and cultural relations between Africa and Turkey has witnessed several strategic engagements aimed at creating opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
At the centre of these efforts is the African Turkey Trade Center (ATTC), focused on building stronger connections between African countries and Turkish businesses by creating platforms where entrepreneurs, investors and government representatives can interact.
Through the activities of ATTC and other continent-building initiatives, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the founder of the initiative, has participated in several international engagements aimed at promoting Africa’s potential and encouraging global partnerships.
One of such engagements was his participation at the 22nd General Meeting of MUSIAD (Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association) in Konya, Turkey, where he addressed business leaders from different parts of the world.
The gathering provided an avenue for discussions around international trade, investment opportunities and collaboration between Turkey and other regions.
The relationship between ATTC and MUSIAD further expanded through the MUSIAD World General Executive Council (MUSIAD Dunya Genel Idare Kurulu), where business leaders from different countries gathered to discuss economic cooperation.
The partnership represented an effort to strengthen connections between African markets and one of the world’s leading business networks.
Beyond business discussions, the initiative also focused on creating direct relationships between African and Turkish business communities.
Otunba Wanle Akinboboye was seen engaging with Turkish entrepreneurs, including during business meetings at Turkish Airlines’ office in Côte d’Ivoire, where discussions centred on opportunities for cooperation and investment across Africa.
The initiative also attracted government and community leaders in Turkey, including engagements with the Governor of Seydişehir and his team.
These meetings states regional partnerships and explored areas where African and Turkish communities could benefit from closer cooperation.
A major cultural dimension of the initiative was the Africa–Turkey Music Amalgamation, which brought together Nigerian and Turkish creatives to reveal the power of music as a tool for international unity.
The programme featured the ATunda Entertainment team from Nigeria alongside Turkish musicians, with performances from cultural artistes including Olo Omidan Bata and Anu, the Ekwe performer.
During the Africa–Turkey Music Amalgamation in Turkey, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye addressed audiences on the importance of cultural exchange, explaining how arts and entertainment can help strengthen relationships between nations beyond business transactions.
The initiative also extended into educational and knowledge exchange, with engagements involving academic leaders such as the Dean of Selçuk University in Turkey, stating the role of education and intellectual partnerships in building stronger ties between Africa and Turkey.
Another significant aspect was the organisation of business tours that brought Turkish investors to African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.
These tours exposed investors to opportunities across different sectors while promoting Africa as a destination for business and economic partnerships.
At the ATTC headquarters in Konya, Turkey, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye also engaged with representatives from African countries, sharing the vision of creating a stronger bridge between African economies and Turkish industries.
The initiative gained further diplomatic attention through engagements involving African ambassadors, government officials and international investors.
Meetings involving the Senegalese Ambassador to Nigeria, Turkish investors, Ghanaian leadership and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Trade reflected the growing interest in strengthening Africa–Turkey economic relations.
Overall, the activities surrounding the African Turkey Trade Center represent a broader continent-building vision focused on using business, tourism, culture, education and diplomacy as tools for international cooperation.
Through platforms such as ATTC, MUSIAD partnerships and the Africa–Turkey Music Amalgamation, the initiative sought to create a lasting connection between Africa and Turkey, one built not only on commerce but also on shared experiences, cultural understanding and mutual development.