From May 19 to 24, 2025, Morocco transformed into a strategic hub for discussions on the future of agriculture in Africa. Two emblematic cities, Marrakech and Agadir, hosted the third edition of the African Summit on Agriculture and Agro-food (SAAA), bringing together over 500 participants from 20 African countries as well as Türkiye.
The event took place in a context of climate emergency where the challenges of food security, water resource management, and the sustainability of agricultural systems have become shared priorities. The discussions highlighted the growing importance of South-South cooperation to foster a more resilient, technological, and inclusive agriculture.
Türkiye was strongly represented at this summit by figures such as Ambassador İlker Kılıç, Trade Counselor Burcu Özergül Çolak, as well as delegations from economic organizations like ITEF, DEIK, MÜSİAD, and CGEM on the Moroccan side.
Among the highlights, several Moroccan companies unveiled innovative solutions in key areas such as precision irrigation, desalination, and climate-smart agriculture. These demonstrations piqued the interest of African and Turkish partners, creating conditions for future industrial and scientific synergies.
The summit’s activities were enriched by field visits to centers of excellence. Delegations were able to discover the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute in Rabat, explore modern farms in the Marrakech and Agadir regions, and engage with women’s cooperatives specializing in argan oil production in Souss-Massa.
For two decades, Türkiye has been pursuing a proactive approach to agricultural cooperation with Africa, focused on technology transfer, investment, and training. In 2023, Turkish-African trade in the agricultural sector surpassed 35 billion dollars.
The next meeting is already scheduled. The fourth edition of the summit will take place in October 2025 in Konya, Türkiye, an agricultural reference city. It will focus on green solutions, technological innovation, and South-South partnerships in agro-industry.