Military cooperation in Africa has long been shaped by historical and linguistic divides. Francophone and Anglophone spheres formed the core axis of military alliances for decades. However, in recent years, these traditional structures have begun to be questioned across the continent. Particularly in parts of West Africa, several nations are developing a more critical stance towards foreign military presence and are actively seeking alternative security strategies.
At the heart of this transformation, Türkiye has emerged as a prominent and trusted actor through its growing diplomatic and defence partnerships. From the military training base in Somalia to cooperation agreements with countries such as Niger, Senegal, and The Gambia, Türkiye is offering more than hardware—it is providing a model of cooperation based on discipline, institutional structure, and mutual trust.
The educational dimension reinforces this influence. The number of African students studying in Türkiye under civil and academic programmes has surpassed 30,000. Upon returning to their home countries, many of these graduates maintain strong ties with Türkiye, becoming key figures in business, government, and even security sectors—acting as bridges between nations.
Moreover, Türkiye’s Military Academies have become centres of excellence for African cadets. Guest students attending the Air Force, Naval, and Army War Colleges receive modern military education while also embracing Türkiye’s strategic approach to security.
At the core of these evolving partnerships is Türkiye’s rapidly expanding defence industry, which continues to grow in global influence each year. In domains such as UAVs, armoured vehicles, radar systems, communications, and advanced ballistic technologies, Türkiye’s domestically developed solutions are becoming both an economic and strategic choice for African countries. Compared to costly and dependency-driven Western alternatives, Turkish defence products offer accessible, effective, and sustainable solutions.
The future of security in Africa will not be built solely on firepower—it will rest on relationships grounded in shared growth, mutual understanding, and equality. Türkiye’s multidimensional and respectful approach offers the continent the foundation for a lasting and collaborative security architecture.
