Jeremiah Quayson, visionary leader, CEO of Insight Communications Group International and advocate for sustainable development in Africa, has called on African governments to explore and strengthen partnerships with Turkey to accelerate economic growth, security, and innovation across the continent.
Mr. Quayson highlighted Turkey’s growing role as a global leader in technology, healthcare, infrastructure development, trade, and defense, emphasizing the alignment between Turkey’s expertise and Africa’s developmental and security aspirations. “Turkey’s blend of modern innovation and cultural heritage mirrors Africa’s potential to embrace the future while honoring its past. A partnership between the two can foster mutual growth and resilience,” he stated.
Mr. Quayson outlined specific sectors where African nations could benefit from enhanced cooperation with Turkey:
1. Security and Defense Cooperation:
With rising security challenges such as terrorism, piracy, and border conflicts across Africa, Quayson emphasized the need for strategic defense partnerships with Turkey. Turkey’s defense industry, known for advanced technologies like drones (e.g., Bayraktar TB2), surveillance systems, and military training programs, has proven effective in addressing asymmetric threats globally. “African nations can benefit immensely from Turkey’s expertise in building strong, technologically advanced security frameworks while maintaining regional sovereignty,” he stated.
Quayson also pointed to Turkey’s role in supporting African peacekeeping missions and its history of diplomatic engagement, noting that collaboration in this sector could bolster the continent’s security while fostering stability for economic growth.
2. Healthcare and AI Innovation:
Turkey’s advancements in healthcare technology, such as telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and modular hospital designs, provide an opportunity to revolutionize Africa’s healthcare systems. Drawing inspiration from Turkey’s “Health Cities” concept, Quayson encouraged African governments to integrate Turkish expertise to improve public health infrastructure and disaster response systems.
3. Infrastructure Development:
Turkey’s success in building world-class infrastructure, including airports, bridges, and industrial zones across Africa, serves as a model for sustainable development. Quayson highlighted projects such as the Kigali Arena in Rwanda and Turkish involvement in modernizing energy infrastructure in Ghana as examples of how partnerships could advance Africa’s urbanization goals.
4. Trade and Investment:
Turkey-Africa trade, which reached over $45 billion in 2023, demonstrates the potential for increased economic collaboration.
Mr.Quayson stressed the importance of fostering joint ventures in agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing to boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce import dependency.
5. Education and Skills Development:
Collaborative programs between African and Turkish institutions could expand to include technical and vocational training for the security sector, focusing on cybersecurity, border management, and counterterrorism strategies. Such efforts would prepare African nations to address modern challenges while creating career opportunities for youth.
6. Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Connections:
Turkey’s cultural diplomacy, including the promotion of the Yunus Emre Institute and Turkish TV dramas popular across Africa, offers a foundation for trust and cooperation. Quayson emphasized that these cultural exchanges enhance people-to-people connections, paving the way for stronger partnerships in all sectors.
Mr. Quayson called on African leaders to prioritize high-level forums and summits with Turkish counterparts to outline long-term strategies in economic, security, and cultural cooperation. He encouraged leveraging platforms like the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit to negotiate agreements that include technology transfer, capacity building, and mutual support for peace and stability.
“Africa cannot thrive without security, and neither can Turkey’s investments in the region. By working together, we can strengthen our borders, protect our people, and ensure a prosperous future,” Mr. Quayson stated. “This is not about dependency but about creating synergies that uplift both Africa and Turkey.
Together, we can redefine South-South cooperation, drive global innovation, and foster economic resilience for generations to come.”
As Africa seeks to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Jeremiah Quayson’s call for strengthened ties with Turkey underscores the importance of forward-thinking partnerships. By focusing on security, trade, and innovation, his vision offers a roadmap for unlocking shared prosperity and ensuring Africa remains a key player on the global stage.
BY TIMES REPORTER
The post Insight Communications Boss Jeremiah Quayson urges African government to consider Turkish government as reliable partner for development in the region appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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