What’s Driving Turkey’s Push for Influence in West Africa?

Turkey is rapidly deepening its presence in West Africa, blending soft power with strategic investments to become a key player on the continent. The country’s foreign policy in the region relies on two primary approaches. The first approach is institutional and relies on state actors like embassies. The second approach is non-institutional, driven by bodies such as religious organizations, and has existed long before Ankara’s official engagement with the continent via initiatives like the Gülen movement’s Turkish schools. The Gülen movement has since been incorporated into Turkey’s official overseas education arm, the Maarif Foundation. Alongside NGOs, Turkish Airlines, and entrepreneurs, it has bolstered Ankara’s soft power in West Africa. Unlike former colonial powers like France, Turkey relies less on force and more on familiarity, access, and mutual benefit in its charm offensive—positioning it as a compelling alternative amid Africa’s shift away from Western dominance.

The Conversation