Turkey’s policy towards Africa in the context of the functioning of the EU-Turkey Customs Union

Following the assumptions of the new model of foreign policy, the Turkish government is developing political and economic relations with regions that have not been the main focus of this country’s interest so far. Turkey, like other large economies, is deepening the scope of its engagement in Africa thanks to the gradual political stabilization and economic development of the countries of this continent. The revival of bilateral relations is based on a number of political initiatives that have been taken over the last two decades. The aim of the article is to present the results of the analysis of conditions shaping Turkey-Africa relations in the context of the European Union (EU)-Turkey Customs Union. The following research hypotheses were adopted in the study: – Turkey’s opening to Africa in the 21st century is the result of changes in Turkey’s foreign policy aimed at gaining a stronger global position. – Difficulties in the functioning of the customs union have contributed to the weakening ofTurkey’s relations with the EU and the increase of Turkish interest in Africa. Empirical (indirect observation and description) and general methods, including deduction and induction, were used to achieve the aim of the study. Research techniques such as cause-andeffect, comparative, documentary, historical, and synthesis were of great importance.