Turkey jockeys with China for influence in Africa

From railways to diplomacy, Ankara looks to extend its geostrategic reach

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Workers put the finishing touches on a railway in Kombolcha, in northern Ethiopia. The line is being built by Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi. (Photo by Akihiro Sano)

AKIHIRO SANO, Nikkei staff writer

ISTANBUL -- Much has been written in recent years on China's growing influence in Africa. But it has a challenger in Turkey, which, like China, is looking to expand its strategic and economic reach.

Turkish construction companies have recently bested Chinese rivals on big infrastructure projects, winning orders in Ethiopia and Rwanda. And Ankara has nearly as many embassies on the continent as Beijing.

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