Turkey and Italy are coming together, seeking to broaden their economic and diplomatic reach in Africa.
With France’s traditional influence on the continent diminishing, both nations are exploring avenues for collaboration in areas such as security, energy, and migration.
In a significant development this month, Somalia’s parliament officially approved an agreement with Turkey.
This agreement entails Turkey providing naval protection and assistance in constructing a Somali navy, marking another stride in Turkey’s ongoing endeavors to bolster its presence across Africa.
Abdifatah Kasim, Somalia’s deputy defence minister, asserted, “With this pact, Turkey will safeguard the Somali coast from pirates, terrorists, and anyone who infringes upon our maritime borders, such as Ethiopia.”
Following the defence agreement, Turkey and Somalia entered into a bilateral pact focusing on energy exploration in Somalia.
Ankara’s increasing sway in the region was emphasized by a significant African presence at Turkey’s annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which saw seven African heads of state, seven prime ministers, and 25 foreign ministers in attendance.
Similarly, in January, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened African leaders at a summit in Rome, unveiling initiatives to amplify Italy’s footprint on the continent.
She continued, “That’s why we have initiated an ambitious program of interventions aimed at fostering growth and prosperity across the continent, beginning with its vast resources.”
Alessia Chiriatti from the Institute of International Affairs, an Italian think tank, notes, “Italy is endeavouring to occupy a role that Western countries somewhat relinquished over the past decades, whereas Turkey has already established a presence in Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.”
She adds, “The primary areas for potential conflict or collaboration—migration, energy concerns, and, naturally, the economic advancement of these nations—will be closely watched.”
In January, Meloni held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.
The discussions encompassed Africa, with particular emphasis on cooperation in Libya—a country where Ankara is deemed to wield significant influence, including through a military base.
Libya serves as a key transit route for migrants attempting to reach Europe, primarily through Italy.
According to Elem Eyrice-Tepeciklioglu from Ankara’s Social Sciences University, Italy, France, and other European nations perceive this migration issue as a significant threat.
“So there is potential for collaboration in this regard to curb the illegal influx of migrants, as well as to collaborate in the realm of security,” she explains.
Additionally, on Tuesday, the defense ministers of Italy and Turkey engaged in discussions in Ankara.
The utilisation of Libya’s extensive energy resources also presents a potential area for mutual cooperation.
The recent removal of regimes with ties to France in Niger, Mali, and Gabon, along with the subsequent withdrawal of French forces, has significantly diminished France’s long-standing political and economic influence in West Africa.
This shifting landscape presents an opportunity for Italy and Turkey.
“Italy could establish significant cooperation with Turkey to capitalise on the void left by countries such as France, Germany, and other Western nations in Africa,” explains analyst Chiriatti.
However, “the extent of this cooperation will also be contingent upon the respective bilateral agendas and interests expressed by Turkey and Italy,” she adds. “These interests may not always align, so it remains crucial to monitor developments step by step.”
Chiriatti cautions that while cooperation is possible, it can easily transform into rivalry, particularly in the business arena.
However, Africa’s vast economic potential provides ample opportunities for partnership.
“There are numerous areas where Turkey can collaborate with other countries, including European nations, as Turkish companies seek to expand their investments,” explains Eyrice-Tepeciklioglu.
“They aim to secure new contracts for large-scale projects, among other endeavors. Africa faces significant infrastructure needs, with a substantial energy deficit and infrastructure gap across the entire continent.”
Given that Italy and Turkey lack the financial resources of other influential players on the continent, notably China, both countries are strongly motivated to prioritize potential partnerships as they seek to broaden their influence in Africa.
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