Emine Erdoğan attended the Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's wife Emine Erdoğan attended the Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) hosted by the Ministry of Trade, coordinated by the African Union and organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) at the Istanbul Congress Center.

Speaking at the opening of the "Women's Leadership and Entrepreneurship Dialogue Panel" at the Forum, Emine Erdoğan hoped that the panel, where many inspiring experiences will be shared and the participants will benefit from each other's energy and vision, will lead to new and strong collaborations.

Underlining that war, genocide, climate change and poverty are still at the top of the global agenda, Emine Erdoğan said: "The world really needs a new story. I personally believe that this story will be written by the pen of women. Every day, a woman in a corner of the world turns a great idea into reality. Like snowdrops blooming in the snow, these ideas instill hope in humanity even under the most difficult conditions. They generate solutions to global problems and nurture a culture of peace because women have natural leadership qualities. Generations grow in their hands and the future is shaped by them. Therefore, when they participate in economic life, they carry not only themselves but also their societies forward."

"WOMEN LEADERS ALSO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS"

Pointing out that according to studies, the likelihood of internal conflict decreases in countries with a high proportion of women parliamentarians, Emine Erdoğan said, "In cases where women participate in peace processes, the likelihood of peace agreements remaining in force for at least two years increases by 20 percent. The presence of women leaders has a positive impact on girls' education and academic success. In addition, women leaders also make a difference in combating environmental problems."

Stating that one of the biggest causes of air pollution in India is stubble burning, Emine Erdoğan said that according to a study conducted on this issue, there is a 40 percent decrease in air pollution in regions where women local administrators are in charge because mothers experience first-hand the respiratory diseases of children due to air pollution.

Noting that women's sensitivity, combined with leadership, creates holistic solutions that protect both people and the environment, Emine Erdoğan said, "All global, environmental and humanitarian crises need a woman's hand. That is why I strongly believe that women should be at the center of cooperation between Turkey and African countries."

"IN 2016, WE ESTABLISHED THE AFRICAN HANDICRAFTS MARKET AND CULTURE HOUSE IN ANKARA"

Recalling Turkey's frequent visits to the continent as part of the African initiative launched in 2005, Emine Erdoğan continued as follows: "On this occasion, I had the opportunity to get to know 30 different countries. I have repeatedly witnessed the inspiring power of African women, their wisdom, their hard work and their contributions to their societies, and from the very first day I felt the desire to stand in solidarity with these strong women. One of our trips to Ethiopia turned into an important opportunity to realize this intention. There, I visited a textile workshop established to help women suffering from AIDS, patronized by the honorable wife of the Ethiopian Prime Minister. I learned that the products produced by the women were bought for 1 dollar and sold in expensive boutiques in Europe. The products, on which profits were made many times over, were the sweat of those women's brow, their hope to hold on to life. I wanted to set an example of how a fair market can be established when women stand shoulder to shoulder."

Emine Erdoğan said that they established the African Handicrafts Market and Culture House in Ankara in 2016 and added: "Under the coordination of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we offered for sale here the products we procured from many countries, all of which were made by women. Since then, all the income generated through the Africa House reaches the women who work there. We have also carried out very special and qualified works in the field of culture. Together with African ambassadors, we published the book African Food Culture, organized a gastronomy bazaar, and published two volumes of African Proverbs. Every May 25th, we celebrate Africa Day with various activities."

Expressing that she wrote about the human experiences she witnessed in Africa over the years in her memoir "My Travels in Africa", Emine Erdoğan said, "Africa has a very special place and meaning in my heart. That beautiful land is a sister door that enriches my soul, broadens my perspective and inspires me to contribute more to the great story of humanity."

"WE SEE WOMEN COMING FORWARD WITH IDEAS THAT SERVE HUMANITY"

Emphasizing that World Bank data shows that women's participation in the labor force increases the national income of countries by billions of dollars, Emine Erdoğan said, "The integration of women into the economy is not only a social policy, but also a strategic development model. As Turkey, we attach great importance to supporting women's leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The positive results of this approach are reflected in the figures. In 2002, the rate of women entrepreneurs was 13.1 percent, which increased to 18.2 percent by 2024. Surveys show that 60 percent of women in Turkey want to become entrepreneurs. Moreover, when we look at the entrepreneurship stories in Turkey, we see that women stand out with ideas that serve humanity."

Emine Erdoğan emphasized that there are many innovative projects such as environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable agricultural models, medicines, renewable energy among these ideas, and emphasized that the picture on the African continent is also very impressive.

Stating that Sub-Saharan Africa ranks first in the world with a women's entrepreneurship rate of 26 percent, Emine Erdoğan said, "Although these achievements are promising, we know that women still struggle with many challenges. They have to overcome many obstacles such as glass ceilings, difficulties in accessing finance, lack of educational opportunities and the technological gap. That's why we need to create concrete and sustainable solutions for women. I believe that joint funds, digital skills trainings and mentoring programs will make a great contribution at this point."

Emine Erdoğan concluded her speech with the following words: "Turkey and Africa are regions that stand out in the global economy with their young populations, dynamism and thriving entrepreneurship ecosystems. If we provide the necessary support to women, I believe that they will make our countries the shining stars of the 21st century. Therefore, let us listen to women who have something to say to the world, dreams to tell and ideas to share. Let us walk the road to a just and hopeful future together with women."

Emine Erdoğan visited the stand of the African House of Culture, which she played an active role in establishing to ensure that the handcrafted products of African women find the value they deserve. After receiving information from Zeliha Sağlam, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the African House of Culture, about the products on the stand, Emine Erdoğan visited the Zero Waste Foundation and the "Year of Family" stand of the Ministry of Family and Social Services.

After her speech, Emine Erdoğan took a family photo with the speakers of the "Women's Leadership and Entrepreneurship Dialogue Panel" moderated by Ebru Özdemir, President of DEİK Women's Platform, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services, Dr. Amany Asfour, President of Africa Business Council, Zeynep Harezi Yılmaz, Commercial Operations Director of Karpowership, and Martha Daud Luleka, President of Tan Investments Service Ltd.

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, wife of the Vice President of South Africa Humile Mashatile and many others took part in the panel discussion, while nearly 800 Turkish and African women registered for the two-day forum.

16.10.2025