Having traveled to 107 countries, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu—a world traveler, economist, educator, author, expert in energy and IT contracts, forensic expert, chief auditor in information security and supply chain management, occupational safety and risk specialist, moderator, speaker, certified translator, licensed athlete, coach, student mentor, ethnic dance choreographer, performance artist, and Africa enthusiast—was one of the guests attending the event.

Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu, who has conducted safari tours and performed MIM CHI 360 African tribal dances in numerous countries from Kenya to Sudan, South Africa to Egypt, and Libya to Tunisia, has also stood out through her visits to elephant orphanages in Africa, Chi Ci Talks – Chi Kuna Matata Conversations, safari-themed birthday celebrations, scuba diving in the Red Sea, and interviews with African tribes. She shared her African memories as a world traveler for weeks on TRT radios’ “Seyyah” program, discussing topics such as life, culture, art, health, economy, IT, innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, risk management, ethnic cultures, politics, and dance theater in Africa, emphasizing the sensitivities and nuances of African cultures and communication in a 30-minute format, promoting a risk-focused and design-thinking approach.

Turkey-Africa relations are increasingly growing on a multi-layered basis, built on equal partnership and win-win principles. Today, Turkish contractors are involved in many investments in Africa, ranging from the FMCG sector to energy, airports, ports, public buildings, roads, and tunnels. Africa is important to Turkey, and Turkey is important to Africa. At this point, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu published a report on her observations from the AFEX 2024 launch, where she shared both her insights and details of the event.

A press conference for AFEX 2024 was held at the Taksim Barcelo Hotel in Istanbul. During the event, the launch of the AFEX Global Business Forum and Exhibition, organized by the Turkish-African Businessmen Association (TABA), was announced, to be held in Istanbul on November 11-12-13. At the conference, Fatih Akbulut, President of TABA, shared his 15 years of business experience in Africa and provided insights into the dynamics of doing business in Africa and the fragile points to consider. Prior to AFEX 2024 in November, Akbulut highlighted potential opportunities in Africa to Turkish businesspeople and presented a broad-spectrum vision of how Turkey can strengthen its strategic partnerships with Africa.

Last year, AFEX – the Africa Business Forum and Exhibition – brought together 1,270 businesspeople from 49 countries. This year, AFEX 2024 will take place on November 11-12-13 at the Pullman Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, with a theme focused on franchise, distributorship, and strategic sustainable partnerships. The event will host African businesspeople seeking investment and business opportunities in Africa, in Istanbul, which ranks 1st in flights to Africa and 2nd in cities with the most direct flights worldwide.

A Few Words About TABA

Since its establishment, the Turkish-African Business Association (TABA) has been opening doors to the important African market for Turkish businessmen through over 200 investment visits, sectoral and commercial trips, conferences, seminars, B2B and B2G meetings, trilateral forums, and similar events. TABA is an independent organization that leads the way in establishing and strengthening commercial, diplomatic, social, and cultural relations between Turkey and Africa. Actively working since 2012, TABA serves as an umbrella organization for businessmen, associations, and other organizations involved in this area. It continues to organize its activities across Turkey and all over Africa, bringing together numerous African and Turkish businessmen.

TABA’s Role, Position, and Impact in Africa, a Region of Strategic Importance for Turkey

In his speech, TABA President Fatih Akbulut emphasized the strategic importance of Africa for Turkey, underlining TABA’s commitment to the region and the institutional memory it has built. He highlighted that Africa, with its rapidly growing economies, young population, and vast potential, offers significant opportunities for Turkish businesses. Akbulut pointed out that long-term, strategic partnerships need to be established to further expand Turkey’s presence in the African market. These partnerships are crucial not only from a commercial perspective but also for strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations.

The Key Points of Doing Business in Africa

Akbulut discussed the challenges, fragility, opportunities, and advantages of doing business in Africa, stressing the significance of the concepts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Saharan Africa. He shared insights gained from his visits to 37 different African countries since 2009 and the experiences he gathered during these interactions. Akbulut provided essential advice on how Turkish businesses can be more effective and sustainable in Africa. Among the critical points he emphasized were the unique characteristics of the African market, alternative business practices shaped by cultural differences, and the importance of establishing relationships with local partners as a key to successful ventures.

Sending Money with M-PESA in Africa Without a Smartphone

M-PESA is a mobile phone-based money transfer, payments, and micro-financing service launched in 2007 by Vodafone and Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile network operator. Africa’s mobile money system does not require a smartphone. Since its launch, the system has expanded to countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Ethiopia. Akbulut also highlighted the risks of carrying cash and emphasized the importance of M-PESA, Africa’s mobile money system.

Key Takeaways on the Principles of Doing Business Successfully in Africa

In his speech, Akbulut focused on the challenges, fragility, opportunities, and advantages of doing business in Africa, again emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between Sub-Saharan Africa and Saharan Africa. Drawing from his visits and experiences in 37 African countries since 2009, he shared valuable insights into how Turkish businesses can succeed in Africa. Among the key points were the unique characteristics of the African market, the alternative business practices shaped by cultural differences, and the importance of building relationships with local partners for successful ventures.

Sending Money with an Ordinary Phone Using Africa’s Mobile Money M-PESA

M-PESA is a mobile-based money transfer service, payments, and microfinance solution launched in 2007 by Vodafone and Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile network operator. Africa’s mobile money doesn’t require a smartphone. Since then, the system has expanded to countries including Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Ethiopia. Akbulut highlighted the insecurity of carrying cash and drew attention to M-PESA as Africa’s mobile money solution during his speech.

Key Principles for Successful Business in Africa: A Brief Overview

Akbulut outlined the distinct and important characteristics of successful business styles in Africa:

• Identifying the right filtering and profiling, establishing the right business partnerships and local situational connections, and selecting the right countries.
• Understanding and acting upon cultural differences and sensitivities.
• Long-term planning and building trust through patience.
• Packaging the business with the correct strategy is essential.

Visa: One of the Most Crucial Challenges

Understanding the dynamics of a trade volume that has risen from 5 billion USD to 34 billion USD. Seeing Africa, which experienced Turkey in the 1960s-70s-80s, and its expansion and development dynamics.

Istanbul: The Heart of Africa

AFEX 2024 will host African businesspeople looking for investment and business opportunities in Istanbul, the first city with direct flights to Africa and the second city in the world with the most direct flights to various destinations. Istanbul is the city most connected to Africa. TABA President Akbulut emphasized the ease of intra-African transport via Istanbul for some countries, stating, “Istanbul is the heart of Africa.” He noted that travel from Istanbul to different points in Africa can take between 3 to 11 hours, and many international companies have opened their African offices in Istanbul, one example being the Shein Turkey Office. Akbulut mentioned that due to insufficient funds, actions in Africa cannot be taken as quickly as in China, but he emphasized that Africa’s rapidly growing economies, young population, and vast potential offer opportunities for the Turkish world. He called on Turkish businesspeople to make long-term investments in Africa, stating that achieving lasting and sustainable success across this vast continent is only possible this way.

The Importance of AFEX and Expected Participant Profile: Over 2,000 Participants from 70 Countries

Akbulut pointed out that AFEX 2024, scheduled for November, provides a unique platform for companies aiming to do business in Africa. With TABA’s contributions, over 2,000 businesspeople from 70 different countries and various sectors are expected to attend AFEX 2024, which is designed to lay the groundwork for qualitative and efficient relationships through the participation of leading actors in the business world and participants with diverse profiles.

Key Points from Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu’s Remarks

Speaking at the AFEX 2024 launch event, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu highlighted the importance of sector investments, startup/scale-up projects, and university collaborations in Africa’s business and investment opportunities. One of the questions she directed to TABA President Fatih Akbulut was whether there were initiatives in this area. The world traveler and economist Yorgancıoğlu emphasized that she sees the initiatives being taken toward Africa not only as economic steps but also as cultural diversity. Another focus of hers was on how the impact of investments could also influence social responsibility projects.

There are mutual investment opportunities in various fields, from energy to agriculture, healthcare to banking systems, and innovation. Assessing the potential points that can reveal and evaluate trade, culture, and international prosperity and peace between Turkey and Africa is extremely valuable. Yorgancıoğlu mentioned that she views TABA and AFEX within this context and stated that she would share her views on the risks and opportunities of potential renewable energy projects, especially solar energy, later in the meeting.

In addition to her speech, observations, and questions during the event, Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu, who is also a Corporate Life, Innovation, and Business Risk Expert and Strategist, engaged with TABA President Fatih Akbulut, Dr. Yousri El-Sharkawi (President of the Egyptian-African Businessmen’s Association), and Shahab Fekry (a member of the Egyptian-African Businessmen’s Association and the group’s financial and administrative advisor at this event) during breaks and afterwards. Dr. Yousri El-Sharkawi and Yorgancıoğlu also exchanged ideas on future visions regarding collaborations in universities and startup projects.

Africa’s Two Faces: African Prejudice – Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photo – African Child and Vulture

During the press conference and coffee break of the launch for the AFEX 2024 event on September 19, Fatih Akbulut, President of the Turkish-African Businessmen’s Association (TABA), shared his 15 years of work experience in Africa in a presentation titled “What Africa Taught Me in 15 Years.” In his presentation, he called upon Turkish entrepreneurs to make long-term investments in Africa using a 5W1H analysis, stating that achieving sustainable success across the continent is only possible this way.

Akbulut aimed to provide guidance to entrepreneurs and investors striving to strengthen relations with the continent, highlighting a photograph in his presentation that could stand alone as a seminar topic for Yorgancıoğlu.

To illustrate the perceived image of Africa in Turkey, he showcased a photo taken by South African photographer Kevin Carter, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for his work. The photograph depicts a malnourished black child on the verge of death with a vulture perched nearby, which Akbulut chose to highlight. Çiğdem Yorgancıoğlu has referenced this photo in her speeches and events regarding establishing world peace and alleviating poverty on behalf of Turkey across various continents. The photo tells the story of the exhausted child walking toward a UN camp and the vulture waiting for him to die. It serves as a stark reminder of famine and hunger in Africa. The photographer faced heavy criticism for not helping the child, who was left alone while his parents went to get food from a relief plane; he later fell into depression and committed suicide, a topic that garnered as much attention as the photograph itself.

Akbulut also mentioned the example of 20 Africans among the top 500 wealthiest people in a Forbes survey. Despite the abundant agricultural opportunities along the Nile River, he noted that many Africans do not engage in active farming, which could represent a business opportunity. A memorable quote from McKinsey CEO Dominic Barton, stating, “The future CEOs of McKinsey will be somewhere in Africa,” was another key point in his presentation.

The concept of Sustainable Partnership was a notable emphasis, highlighting the importance of collaborations tailored to different profiles in Africa. The discussion underscored the benefits of providing professional services through collaboration with local and international experts and unique, strategic partners to deliver excellent results for clients.

Turkey – Egypt and African Countries

TABA President Akbulut expressed satisfaction with collaborating with Egypt, emphasizing the strong desire of the Turkish private sector community to connect and cooperate with their counterparts in Egypt and Africa. He mentioned TABA’s connections within Africa, noting that they are in contact with over 7,000 Turkish companies, and expressed a desire to make Egypt a strong manufacturing base, believing that cooperation between Egypt and Turkey could yield significant outcomes in the African and European markets. He hopes the upcoming AFEX event in November will witness momentum, closeness, and prosperity, leading to positive agreements, figures, and results among “Turkey – Egypt – African countries.”

Dr. Yousry El-Sharkawi at the “AFEX 24” Launch

International investment advisor and economic development expert, Dr. Yousry El-Sharkawi, who was also present at the conference, was one of the architects of this year’s AFEX 24 alongside TABA President Akbulut. The 2024 version of AFEX will kick off in Istanbul with a major exhibition, bilateral meetings, roundtable discussions, and workshops, under the joint patronage of the Turkish-African Businessmen’s Association and the Egypt-Africa Businessmen’s Association.

Dr. El-Sharkawi stated, “From Istanbul, we are launching the most comprehensive economic event, ‘Turkish – Egyptian – African AFEX 2024,’ next November. There should be joint cooperation between the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) and the Turkish African Businessmen’s Association (TABA) to enhance African collaboration.” He also discussed the event being organized under the joint sponsorship of TABA and EABA, mentioning that for the first time, the organization has been assigned to two companies: one Turkish, Kian Predixion, and the other Egyptian, MHZ International Group led by Eng. Mohamed Ali Saad. This group, a member of the Egypt-Africa Businessmen’s Association, represents various trade, investment, and technology sectors, and was represented by financial advisor Shehab Fikry during the event.

In his speech, Dr. El-Sharkawi expressed satisfaction to Turkish and international media representatives about this collaboration. He emphasized that Turkish and Egyptian private sectors could expand joint work, trade, and investment, stating that the understanding formed between the two countries and the approach of the leaders is the most significant motivation for mobilizing all our capacities to reach the goals they aspire to. He expressed that achieving a trade volume of $15 billion is not difficult and eagerly awaits the goal of reaching $150 billion together in Africa within three years. El-Sharkawi noted that the association has become one of the most crucial institutions in the African finance and business community, adopting a new approach in coordination with partners outside the African continent. He stressed that Turkey is among the first countries they aim to collaborate with for integrated private sector work in Africa. The association boasts distinguished members and various elite investor and trader groups, all ready to cooperate in a way that benefits their interests, emphasizing that the continent is a land of opportunities and that their presence is essential for all of this.

Dr. El-Sharkawi is also the president of H.O.C, one of the largest, specialized, and comprehensive consulting firms in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council. They offer integrated consulting services through a team of experts and multinational advisors, with expertise in various investment sectors, including food and hospitality, medical, industrial, investment agriculture and food security projects, contracting, construction, real estate investment, water, logistics and transportation, and education sectors. At the end of the session, Akbulut presented a plaque of participation and gratitude to Dr. El-Sharkawi.