"Erdogan presents himself as an alternative to the West," said Selin Gucum, author of a study on Turkish interests in Africa for Paris's Observatory of Contemporary Turkey. Those agreements have opened up contracts for Turkey's defense manufacturers, notably for its reputedly reliable and inexpensive drones. The religious Turkish Maarif Foundation has expanded to a network of 140 schools and institutions catering for 17,000 pupils, while 60,000 Africans are students in Turkey. Billing itself as the first Turkish television channel on the continent, NRT boasts on its website that it serves 49 African countries, spreading the Turkish language. Turkey's religious conservatism likewise resonates with many African countries, at a time when anti-LGBTQ laws are being adopted on the continent.

Source: Standard Digital July 22, 2024 23:27 UTC