Turkish companies invest $70M in air, seaports in Africa

In recent years, Turkish construction companies have increasingly engaged in projects involving air and sea ports across Africa.

Summa Construction is currently directing its efforts toward airport projects in Nigeria, while Metag Holding, based in Ankara, has signed a deal to develop Hobyo Port, Somalia’s second-largest seaport, with an initial investment of $70 million.

Turkish firms are gaining attention for their significant contributions to improving air and maritime transportation on the continent.

Metag Holding’s recent agreement aims to enhance Mogadishu Port, which is a vital maritime hub for Somali trade.

In partnership with the local Hobyo Investment Company, Metag’s investment will transform Hobyo Port into a regional trade center, reducing the burden on Mogadishu Port while also providing an alternative route to Ethiopia and Djibouti. Hobyo Port, located in the Galmudug region with a population of 11,000, will play a crucial role in connecting the area to the sea.

Long-term commitment to development

Ahmed Abdi Kariye, head of Somalia’s Galmudug State, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “This port will not only invigorate our regional economy but also enhance trade and connectivity, benefiting the entire nation.”

The agreement includes an operational period of 80 years, during which Metag will manage the port. It is expected to become operational after a three-year construction period.

The Hobyo project has been under consideration for several years, with initial interest from Qatari-backed companies in 2020 for a public-private partnership that ultimately did not materialize.

Ongoing investment in Somali maritime infrastructure

Türkiye’s involvement in Somali maritime transport has been strengthened through its collaboration with Metag and the management of Mogadishu Port by the Turkish company Albayrak Group.

The port serves as the primary hub for maritime cargo in Somalia and has been operated by Albayrak since 2014, when it acquired a 20-year operating right for the Alport Mogadishu project. Strategically located in East Africa, Mogadishu Port is recognized as Somalia’s largest and only gateway to international trade.

Expanding reach in Africa

Last week, we also noted that Summa Construction is engaged in formal discussions regarding an airport project in Nigeria. Following successful airport projects in Niger, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone, Summa is now pursuing the long-planned Lekki-Epe International Airport project in Nigeria. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently visited Türkiye to discuss this initiative with Selim Bora, chairman of Summa.

Having completed its first airport project in Africa at Senegal’s Blaise Diagne Airport in 2017, Summa has continued to expand its footprint with projects in Niger in 2019, Diffa International Airport in 2021, and Freetown International Airport in Sierra Leone last year. The company is also advancing the Osvaldo Vieira International Airport project in Guinea-Bissau, which began in 2023.

As Turkish companies deepen their involvement in Africa’s infrastructure development, the potential for growth and collaboration remains significant, particularly in the aviation and maritime sectors.