Hard power, soft influence: Türkiye’s African equation

Türkiye's foreign policy in Africa is increasingly defined by its military defense exports, with drones like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı UCAV becoming prominent symbols of this shift. While Türkiye's past engagement was largely framed through humanitarian efforts like building hospitals and offering scholarships, a harder currency of military cooperation now takes center stage.

The appeal of Turkish military hardware, especially drones, lies in its affordability and political flexibility. Priced significantly lower than comparable Western platforms, these drones come without the complex geopolitical conditions or lengthy approval processes often associated with arms transfers from Europe or the United States. This makes them an attractive option for African governments grappling with insurgencies and security threats on strained budgets.

Baykar, the manufacturer of these drones, now boasts over a dozen African clients across North Africa, the Horn, and the Sahel. This growing market presence is transforming diplomatic engagements, moving beyond single arms sales towards deeper institutional entanglement. Somalia serves as a prime example, with Türkiye operating a large military training facility in Mogadishu and supplying advanced drone technology as the al-Shabab militant group intensifies its campaign.