Africa’s major trade corridors are fast becoming magnets for investors, blending infrastructure development with logistics expertise and digital innovation, according to Eric Melet, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Global Logistics (AGL).
Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the just-ended Turkey–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul, Melet said more than 15,000 of AGL’s 23,000 employees work along these critical corridors, underscoring their importance to intra-African trade and growth.
The forum, hosted by Turkey’s Trade Ministry in partnership with the African Union (AU) and organised by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), carried the theme Leveraging Turkey–Africa Relations for Mutual Gains.
Corridors linking markets across Africa
Melet pointed to several routes that anchor regional integration. ‘To reach and effectively serve the Democratic Republic of Congo, companies can use the East Africa corridor through Tanzania, the southern corridor via South Africa, or the West Africa route such as the Lobito Corridor, where AGL operates the port,’ he explained.
He stressed the importance of finding the right business model for sustainable investment in Africa’s private sector. ‘There have been a number of unprofitable projects. Success requires more than capital—it demands solid planning, local engagement, and human resource development,’ he said.
Building skills and infrastructure for growth
AGL invests around $600 million annually in its African operations, Melet noted, adding that investment in human capital is just as crucial as financial input. ‘Africa has a large talent pool, but training and developing those skills are essential for long-term growth,’ he said.
He highlighted that West, South, and East African trade corridors continue to hold vast potential for investors but called for greater emphasis on railway infrastructure. ‘Railways are critical for speeding up the growth of trade corridors and reducing logistics costs,’ he said.
Turkey’s expanding role in African logistics
Despite Africa’s significant progress, Melet observed that investment inflows still fall short of the continent’s annual requirements. He said Turkish firms have the ‘know-how, capacity, and historical and geopolitical ties’ needed to help bridge that gap.
AGL’s own expansion underscores that partnership. Turkey became the firm’s first investment destination outside Africa, where it now has a dedicated logistics team. ‘Africa needs Turkey as a partner and investor,’ Melet said, highlighting shared ambitions for mutual economic progress.
As the Turkey–Africa Business and Economic Forum concluded, delegates agreed that stronger logistics and infrastructure links between the two regions could transform trade efficiency and unlock sustainable investment opportunities across the continent.
