Mayaki will be hosting the 10th "World Without Center: Who Leads When the Rules Are Invalid?" at the Istanbul Congress Center this year. He made evaluations to the AA correspondent at the TRT World Forum 2026, organized with the theme.
Pointing out that Africa's development process does not progress at the same pace in different parts of the continent, Mayaki stated that industrialization occurs more easily in regions where economic integration is strong.
Mayaki stated that it becomes difficult to develop common policies in places where regional integration is weak and this negatively affects intra-continental trade, adding: "However, when we look at it on a global scale, Africa is currently one of the regions with the highest economic growth rates and is expected to maintain this position in 2027." he said.
“Economic growth is important because it allows you to reduce extreme poverty and slowly but steadily diversify your economy.” Mayaki expressed that he is optimistic about the economic future of Africa in the medium and long term.
"Africa can also feed other parts of the world"
Emphasizing that Africa is facing problems in the field of food security, the former Prime Minister of Niger said that the continent allocates a significant amount of resources to food imports, according to the data of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Pointing out that foreign dependency can be reduced if this resource is invested in African agriculture, Mayaki said, "If we increase our agricultural productivity, we can feed not only Africa but also other parts of the world." he said.
Mayaki emphasized that farmers in Africa should be supported and said that producers' access to scientific information on seeds, adaptation to climate change and agricultural techniques should be increased.
Stating that there is a need for specialized organizations that will provide farmers with access to finance, Mayaki noted that agriculture is no longer just about production, but should be considered as a holistic system ranging from farmers to the market, from transportation infrastructure to the cold chain.
Türkiye-Niger relations
Expressing that the relations between Türkiye and Niger are developing steadily, Mayaki stated that Niger officials have made various visits to Türkiye in recent months.
Stating that the cooperation between the two countries covers especially security and social areas, Mayaki said, "All components of our cooperation with Turkey overlap with Niger's priorities. This helps build trust. Trust is the element that is most lacking at the global level today." made his assessment.
Emphasizing that trust-based relations with Türkiye facilitate cooperation and that Niger can benefit from Türkiye's experiences in the field of economic development, the former Prime Minister of Niger shared his opinion that cooperation should be strengthened in all areas.
Pointing out that Turkish Airlines flies to dozens of destinations in Africa, Mayaki noted that this offers important opportunities in terms of commercial and social relations, and that cooperation between Türkiye and African countries can be developed in many sectors.
Forum brings together different perspectives
Noting that he attended the TRT World Forum for the first time, Mayaki emphasized that this year's theme of the forum reflects today's international conditions.
Mayaki stated that coming together with participants from different backgrounds within the scope of the forum helped Africa think about how it can position itself in the international system by considering its own interests.
Referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's speech at the forum, Mayaki said, "The past is important, but we must look to the future." he said.
