H.E. Ayşegül Kandaş, Ambassador of Turkey in South Africa, hosted a high tea for African Heads of Mission at the Residence on 30th July 2024. Out of the 54 African countries on the continent, approximately 25 attended the event. The purpose of the gathering was to provide a platform for networking, featuring guest speakers, in recognition of the close relationship between Turkey and Africa, as well as Turkey’s Africa partnership policy. The event also allowed H.E. Ms Kandaş the opportunity to express her gratitude to the African Ambassadors for their support during the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey in February 2023.

The solidarity from African Ambassadors in South Africa, and their respective countries, was greatly appreciated, with efforts focused on gathering both in-kind and monetary assistance. South Africa alone contributed 180 tons of donations, which were flown daily by Turkish Airlines Cargo to Turkey. Additionally, a total of R4.5 million was collected in the Embassy’s donation account. The South African government, with assistance from DIRCO, donated 10 tons of PPE from the health department, as well as R50 million in promised in-kind assistance.

During this challenging time, over 100 countries offered assistance.

“I want to show my gratitude to the African group of Ambassadors who ultimately mobilised, collected money, and donated to our Embassy’s account. This was very special for us,” said H.E. Ms Kandaş.

Turkey’s relations with Africa have deepened over the past 20 years, and the country is now a strategic partner of the African Union, maintaining strong bilateral relations with many African nations.

The high tea featured several guest speakers, including Mr Ebrahim Rasool, Chairman of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Mr Rasool discussed financial support opportunities for Southern Africa. At the request of H.E. Ms Kandaş, he hosted a delegation from Turkey’s foreign economic affairs division, and within a month and a half, he reciprocated by sending a delegation to Istanbul to further discussions. The delegation, led by Mr Rasool, included the DBSA’s CEO, company secretary, and key programme heads. In Turkey, they met with banks, rail organisations, infrastructure builders, and investors.

Mr Rasool highlighted concerns about China’s dominance in Africa and referenced a famous lyric by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.” He drew a parallel between this sentiment and Africa’s relationship with China, adding that if other countries support Africa, the relationship will flourish, much like Turkey’s engagement with Africa through the event hosted by H.E. Ms Kandaş. Turkish investors, rail companies—already active on East Africa’s coasts—and engineering and investment firms are keen to explore further opportunities in Africa. Mr Rasool emphasised that the DBSA, now increasingly acting as the Development Bank of Sub-Saharan Africa, sees enormous potential across the continent.

Mr Rasool’s first action as DBSA Chairperson four months ago was to lead a delegation to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, meeting with counterparts such as the African Development Bank, the African Finance Corporation, and the East African Development Bank. His message was clear: there’s no need for competition; instead, resources should be pooled for the benefit of Africa. This concept was also presented to the World Bank and the IMF in Washington, where it was made clear that the aim was not to request loans but rather to establish a guarantee fund. Negotiations for this fund are currently set at anywhere between 8 to 12 billion US dollars, to provide first-loss guarantees for investors and unlock private capital.

“The DBSA builds infrastructure where commercial banks are hesitant,” said Mr Rasool, noting that the DBSA is obligated to take on risks that private capital won’t necessarily bear.

Mr Rasool concluded his remarks, followed by speeches from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Dean of the African Group, both reiterating the importance of joint support within Africa.

Guests enjoyed traditional Turkish cuisine while taking advantage of the networking opportunities the event provided.

by Marion Kate