The growing importance of French in Turkey's developing relations with Africa

Abstract

French, with approximately 321 million speakers worldwide, ranks as the fifth most widely spoken language. Its status as an official language in international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and the African Union makes French a strategic tool in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. The African continent, with its young population, rich natural resources, and high growth potential, has increasingly attracted the attention of international actors. Through the “Africa Opening” policy it launched in the 21st century, Türkiye has systematically expanded its diplomatic, economic, and military relations with the continent. In this process, French—recognized as an official language in 21 African countries—emerges as a decisive factor in Türkiye’s engagement with Africa. Particularly in West and Central Africa, French plays a significant role across a wide spectrum, from education to trade, and from diplomacy to security cooperation. Turkish diplomats, businesspeople, and military personnel who are proficient in French are able to communicate more effectively with local actors, thereby enhancing the sustainability of partnerships. In this context, Türkiye’s growing presence in Africa necessitates reconsidering French language instruction as a strategic priority. Expanding French education at the secondary and higher education levels would not only strengthen Türkiye’s competitiveness in the international arena but also deepen its relations with Africa. The aim of this study is to highlight the global position of French and its strategic function in Türkiye’s relations with Africa, while discussing the need to re-evaluate the teaching of French in Türkiye.