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Win-win relations
Türkiye's focus on Africa has become increasingly significant in recent years due to a combination of strategic, economic and diplomatic interests. One of the foremost reasons for Türkiye's engagement with Africa is the continent's burgeoning economies. In one of the latest signs of growing ties, Uganda and a Turkish company, Yapi Merkezi Holdings, signed a deal earlier this month to construct a 272-kilometer railway. This marks a significant step toward improving transportation infrastructure in East Africa. With rapidly emerging markets, Africa presents vast opportunities for trade and investment. Türkiye has strong historical and cultural ties with African countries since the Ottoman era. Türkiye aims to diversify its trade partnerships, reducing reliance on traditional markets in Europe and Asia. Additionally, Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources, including minerals, oil and gas. Securing access to these resources is crucial for Türkiye to fuel its own economic growth and ensure energy security. Strengthening ties with African countries is a strategic move to boost Türkiye's influence in global politics and multilateral organisations such as the United Nations. Africa's 54 countries constitute a significant voting bloc in these organisations, and close relations with these nations can bolster Türkiye's international standing. Türkiye also employs cultural diplomacy, humanitarian aid and development projects to build a positive image and foster goodwill among African nations. This soft power strategy helps Türkiye to establish itself as a reliable partner in Africa. Here is how the win-win partnership between Türkiye and African countries has evolved.
Deaf in tech
Deaf women in Nigeria embrace revolutionising technology to improve their skills in the increasingly competitive digital world. A project in Abuja called “Deaf-in-Tech” by Nigerian tech company Data-Lead Africa, helps them to actualise their dreams by teaching them coding in Python, a high-level programming language. 
Recycling machine
A teenage Turkish student showcases an amazing recycling machine he has created along with his team at the ongoing Türkiye's biggest technology and aerospace fair, Teknofest, in the southern city of Adana.The machine recycles plastic bottles and leftover water, contributing to environmental conservation and water preservation for human and animal use
'We'll not be silent'
''We will not remain silent and watch'' Israel committing genocide against Palestinians through an apartheid regime because ''South Africans know what apartheid looks like. We lived through apartheid, we suffered and died under apartheid,'' President Cyril Ramaphosa tells the UN General Assembly in New York.
Wildlife census
Kenya pushes ahead with an ambitious wildlife census as the East African country strives to conserve its fauna. But the exercise has sparked controversies.Some Kenyans say spending money on counting wild animals should not be a priority for the country grappling with an economic crisis. However, the authorities defend the animal headcount, saying it's crucial in boosting tourism and conserving nature.
Benin canoe race
Hundreds of canoes and barges thronged the centuries-old lake village of Ganvie in Benin for its annual festival celebrating its history and heritage with vibrant music, dance, and boat regattas, as well as traditional food and spiritual ceremonies.The annual Festival of Nautical Sports, Cultures, and Arts (FESCAN) highlights the vibrant life and traditions of the lake-dwelling community, a village perched on stilts, lying just north of the capital Cotonou on Lake Nokoue.Canoe races were a major attraction, drawing participants from across the region.Packed onto boats, spectators cheered on their favourite teams and savoured the lively atmosphere. This year's event was held from August 24 to 31.Nicknamed “The Venice of Africa”, Ganvie was built on water by Africans who escaped from slavery in the 18th century. It is now a tourist destination known for its stilt homes and cultural heritage.
What's in Sudan?
The world is neglecting Sudan as brutal war continues to claim thousands of lives, experts said during a special panel discussion at Türkiye's Istanbul University. Diplomats and academics at the event on Thursday gave insights into the war and the way out, as millions of civilians continue to bear the brunt.
'The spear to win'
The famous Maasai spear is more than just a weapon — its sinewy steel reflects the African warrior tribe's DNA.This is a community where a lion's head and mane used to be the bounty every young man needed to display to prove his bravery and complete the initiation into adulthood.But like the world around them, the Maasai are evolving. The tribe's young morans (warriors) are no longer chasing game in the bushes. They aim to be global sporting champions with their spears rather than using them to harm wild animals Javelins have replaced the spears in their hands as they hunt for glory in an ancient sport that is now among the more popular Olympic disciplines."We are the Javelin Morans of the Mara," Anthony Njapit tells TRT Afrika, introducing a group of nearly 30 men gathered in a meadow inside the lush Mara forest in Kenya, a hub for exotic safaris.Draped in traditional Maasai throws, with beaded belts and long feathers on their ochre-painted hair, the young men take turns throwing javelins. The technique isn't perfect, but each almighty hurl gives the javelin wings to travel further. "As we speak, we have quit hunting wildlife," says Njapit. "We use our spears to win, not to kill."
