Türkiye: Infrastructure Provider for Africa with Benevolence

Africa emerged as a region to which Türkiye has engaged enthusiastically since 2002 when the Justice and Development Party came to power. Although Türkiye's policy in Africa has many dimensions such as political, economic, religious, and cultural, this study focuses on its infrastructure investments. This paper argues that Türkiye's commitment in infrastructure development in Africa is related with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's grand narrative of “The world is bigger than five” in Turkish foreign policy. Türkiye does not aim to exploit African states but it seeks to strengthen the African states. Moreover, it aims to build a fairer world through reform initiatives. Türkiye brands itself as a benevolent enterprising actor in Africa. This study deals with Turkish infrastructure practices in Africa. Methodologically, this paper reviews the statements of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other state officials to illuminate Turkish goals in Africa. It also uses comparative model in examining the activities of Türkiye's main competitors on the continent, China and France. While China engages in debt-trap diplomacy characterized by gaining stakes in shares of the infrastructures in exchange for debt forgiveness, France seeks to maintain its hegemonic status on the continent through infrastructure investments. Türkiye distinguishes itself from these actors with its sincere statements and responsible investments on the continent, raising its image among the African population.