Turkish feed sector targets Africa through strategic partnership

TÜRKIYE – Türkiye’s feed industry is preparing to expand its presence in Africa through a strategic partnership between TÜRKİYEM-BİR, IDMA and IAOM MEA, with South Africa set to become the first major market under the initiative.

TÜRKİYEM-BİR President Ülkü Karakuş said the partnership will bring Turkish feed technology, expertise and international trade networks closer to African markets, with the 36th IAOM MEA Conference & Expo in Cape Town from November 23-26, 2026 serving as its first concrete milestone. 

The event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Karakuş said the alliance aims to combine the partners’ expertise in milling, feed and grain technologies with their international networks to develop new trade and investment opportunities between Türkiye and Africa.

“Our objective is to unite our collective milling, feed, and grain technology expertise, international trade networks, and institutional representation under a single umbrella,” Karakuş said.

He pointed to Africa’s growing population, urbanisation and rising protein consumption as factors creating opportunities for feed manufacturers and technology providers.

“Driven by technology transfer, investment, food security, and strategic trade corridors, we aim to fortify the Türkiye-Africa economic partnership and establish a far more sustainable and resilient sectoral ecosystem,” he said.

Technology and cost efficiency drive feed manufacturing

Karakuş said feed manufacturers face increasing pressure to control production costs, as raw materials account for a significant share of animal production expenses.

“Barley, wheat, and corn are the primary raw materials for compound feed, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of animal production costs,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of automation, Industry 4.0 technologies and digital quality control in improving feed mill efficiency.

According to Karakuş, modern feed mills increasingly use automated dosing, grinding, mixing and pelleting systems alongside formulation software and real-time laboratory analysis. 

Sensor technologies and AI-based analytics are also being used to improve production monitoring, energy efficiency and feed quality.

“Energy efficiency, digital quality control solutions, and continuous R&D are the twin keys to both cost control and sustainable, competitive manufacturing,” he said.

The expansion into Africa comes as global feed and agricultural supply chains face continued disruption from geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in commodity prices. 

Karakuş said conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect grain and oilseed flows, while Türkiye remains dependent on imports for commodities including corn and soybeans.

The Cape Town event is expected to provide a platform for Turkish companies to connect with African feed and milling businesses. 

IAOM MEA describes the 2026 conference as a gathering for feed millers, grain processors, equipment suppliers and other industry stakeholders, with the programme focusing on technology, sustainability and connectivity across the Middle East and Africa.

The partnership was first announced at TUYEM16, with the Cape Town conference identified as its first concrete outcome. 

The initiative is expected to focus on technology transfer, investment and trade links as Turkish companies seek to access Africa’s expanding feed and food production markets.

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