Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided machinery and equipment support for a project aimed at addressing Kenya’s waste management challenges.
In collaboration with the Mudavadi Foundation, established by Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, TİKA has supported three youth-led cooperatives in Nairobi by supplying the necessary machinery and equipment for carbon briquette production.
The Roysambu, Soweto, and Green Army cooperatives, which received their equipment at a delivery ceremony in Nairobi’s Githurai district, will soon begin production, contributing to both economic empowerment and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Thanks to the equipment provided to cooperatives operating in Nairobi’s commercial districts of Githurai, Roysambu, and Kasarani, organic waste materials will be sorted, grounded, and converted into charcoal powder using carbonization machines. The processed material will then be transformed into fuel through briquetting machines.
This eco-friendly project will create employment opportunities for young people while contributing to sustainable energy solutions by producing carbon briquettes from recycled waste. Notable for their eight-hour burn time, these briquettes will serve as an energy source in the local market.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) distributed Ramadan food parcels to 250 families from the Muslim community in El Salvador.
As part of its Ramadan support efforts, TİKA provided food assistance to the Muslim community in El Salvador. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in San Salvador and Comunidad Islámica Hispanoamericana, the umbrella organization for Muslims in the country, ensured that 250 families received essential food packages during the holy month.
A total of 100 parcels were distributed to those in need at the Dar-Ibrahim Mosque in the capital, San Salvador, while 75 parcels were delivered at the Palestine Mosque (Mezquita Palestina Tierra Santa) in Santa Ana and another 75 at the Rebirth Mosque (Mezquita Renacer) in Nahuizalco.
The distribution ceremony in San Salvador was attended by Gül Büyükerşen, Türkiye’s Ambassador to San Salvador, along with Emerson Bukele, the leader of El Salvador’s Muslim community, and the brother of President Nayib Bukele.
With the support of TİKA and the Embassy of Türkiye in San Salvador, an iftar program will be organized on March 6 during Ramadan, bringing together members of the Muslim community in El Salvador.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural equipment to support agricultural production and reclaim idle land in the Republic of Guinea.
Agriculture is the primary livelihood for most of Guinea’s population. As part of the country’s National Rural Development Program, a 20-year plan has been launched to enhance agricultural activities in rural areas, advance productivity, and bring unused farmland back into cultivation.
Under this initiative, TİKA, in collaboration with the Boké Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Guinea, has supplied local farmers with essential agricultural equipment, seeds, and fertilizers to improve yields.
This project, implemented with TİKA’s support, aims to contribute to Guinea’s economy, reduce rural unemployment, and enhance food security by increasing the production capacity of local farmers.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established an argan and olive oil cold-pressing workshop at the Timimoun Desert Agriculture Research Institute to support desert agriculture in Algeria’s Timimoun region.
Located 1,200 kilometers from the capital, Algiers, the Timimoun region has seen successful efforts in cultivating olive and argan trees. With TİKA’s support, approximately 10,000 olive and argan trees planted as part of the project have been producing yields for the past two years.
To further enhance these efforts, TİKA established an argan and olive oil cold pressing workshop within the Timimoun Desert Agriculture Research Institute to provide training for local farmers.
The workshop was inaugurated by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Algeria, Muhammet Mücahit Küçükyılmaz; and the Governor of Timimoun, Sune Ben Ömer. Many olive and argan producers from the region attended the opening ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Küçükyılmaz and Governor Ben Ömer toured and assessed the facility.
The opening ceremony for the Tripoli Port Service Infrastructure Development Project, implemented by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was held in Lebanon.
The project, aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of Tripoli Port—one of northern Lebanon’s key trade hubs and a vital point for commercial ties with Türkiye—was inaugurated with the participation of Sheikh Muhammed Imam, Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon; Ahmed Tamer, General Director of Lebanese Land and Maritime Transport; Sermet Sidavi, Chief Prosecutor of North Lebanon; and Halid al-Hayr, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Lebanese University Tripoli.
As part of the project, several infrastructure enhancements were made to improve the experience for passengers and drivers who had previously faced long waiting times at Tripoli Port. These improvements included the renovation of the passenger waiting room, the construction of a mosque, and the creation of a rest area for drivers.
“Tripoli holds a special place in our hearts”
Ambassador Ömer Engin Lütem emphasized the important role Tripoli Port plays in trade with Türkiye and noted that the city continues to hold significant weight in the economy due to its rich culture and historical depth.
He shared that after recently presenting his letter of credence to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, he felt compelled to visit Tripoli. “After presenting my letter of credence to President Aoun, I wanted to come to Tripoli. I knew it was a city that holds a very special place in our hearts,” Lütem stated.
Expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome he received, Lütem said, “I was welcomed like a family member in Tripoli. In line with Türkiye’s principled foreign policy, TİKA continues its projects here.”
“This connection between Türkiye and Tripoli has expanded”
Tamer, the General Manager of Lebanon’s Land and Maritime Transport, highlighted the significance of Tripoli Port for Türkiye in terms of trade and transportation. Drawing attention to the long-standing and close relations between Tripoli and Türkiye, Tamer stated, “With this project, the connection between Türkiye and Tripoli has expanded.” He further explained, “Trucks from Türkiye use Tripoli Port extensively. Trucks from Azerbaijan and Iran also pass through Türkiye to reach here.”
Tamer also emphasized the strong relationship and cooperation between Tripoli Port and Mersin’s Taşucu Port, saying “We have a significant partnership with Taşucu Port. We have always collaborated, especially during times of crisis.”
The Mersin Taşucu-Tripoli route: A key link in the Türkiye-Middle East supply network
The Mersin Taşucu-Tripoli route serves as a crucial logistical backbone for trade between Türkiye and Lebanon with over 100 drivers arriving at the Port of Tripoli each week via Ro-Ro ships from Türkiye. Thanks to the recent improvements, passengers and drivers waiting at the port will now be able to enjoy more comfortable conditions and travel on the Mersin-Tripoli route will be much more convenient.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a textile workshop equipped with state-of-the-art technology at Bentong Prison in Malaysia, providing rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. The facility has the capacity to accommodate 55 individuals at a time.
In Pahang, where the prison is located, various vocational training programs are in place to support the reintegration of 3,500 inmates into society. As part of these efforts, TİKA launched a textile workshop equipped with modern machinery, aiming to help inmates acquire professional skills and facilitate their reintegration into the workforce.
The opening ceremony of the workshop was attended by Emir Saim Yüksel, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur; Dr. Naci Yorulmaz, Vice President of TİKA; Ahmad Kâmil, Director of the Prison; and Zulia Binti Khamis, Director of the Department of International Relations and Prisoner Transfer at Malaysia’s Ministry of Justice.
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA Vice President Dr. Naci Yorulmaz highlighted the agency’s commitment to people-oriented projects worldwide and stated, “Today, we are taking an important step toward ensuring a life worthy of human dignity. Through similar initiatives in many countries—from Albania to Somalia and from Latin America to Africa—we empower disadvantaged individuals to achieve economic independence. This project is not just a vocational training program, it is a doorway to hope.”
Dr. Yorulmaz also emphasized the invaluable support of Queen Tunku Azizah of Pahang for the initiative, underscoring that such collaborations further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between Türkiye and Malaysia.
Khamis, an official from the Malaysian Ministry of Justice, expressed their satisfaction in collaborating with TİKA and stated, “Projects like these, which aim to reintegrate prisoners into society and help them lead dignified lives, highlight the humanitarian aspect of our approach to justice. We believe in reconnecting people to life, not cutting them off from it. Everyone deserves a second chance. Through these workshops, we are working to support prisoners in their reintegration into society, and we look forward to realizing more projects in partnership with TİKA.”
The textile workshop, established with TİKA’s support, will not only equip prisoners with vocational skills to facilitate their reintegration into society but also allow them to receive a share of the income generated.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established the “Cezeri Lab”, a digital design and production laboratory, at Tashkent Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Uzbekistan. The facility was officially inaugurated with a ceremony.
The event was attended by TİKA’s Education Projects Coordinator, Mustafa Haşim Polat; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tashkent, Ali Rıza Tezcan; Tashkent Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering Rector, Bahrom Tolaganov; along with university officials and students.
During the event, participants toured the laboratory and received detailed information about its capabilities, which included 3D design, modeling and production, robotics, and mechatronics studies.
Training on the use of equipment provided
The laboratory is fully equipped with a 3D printer, 3D scanner, laser cutting and CNC cutting machines, a lathe machine, computers, robotic training sets, and various other mechanical and electronic tools, all supplied by Türkiye. Additionally, Turkish experts assigned by TİKA provided comprehensive training for university staff on machine operation, equipment usage, 3D design and modeling, and robotic coding in two phases—first in Uzbekistan and later in Türkiye.
Following the inauguration, TİKA’s Education Projects Coordinator Polat highlighted that the project was named after Ismail al-Jazari, the renowned inventor and engineer who lived in Anatolia during the Artuqid period. He also noted that similar laboratories had previously been established in various countries worldwide.
Polat emphasized that with the state-of-the-art mechanical and electronic tools available in the laboratory, students and academics will have the opportunity to develop engineering projects, design prototypes, and create tangible models of their concepts.
Rector of Tashkent Architecture and Civil Engineering Institute, Tolaganov, highlighted that nearly 10,000 students are enrolled in 16 disciplines at the university. He stated that the laboratory, established with TİKA’s support, will significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of education and providing students with hands-on experience in emerging fields. Tolaganov expressed his gratitude to the Turkish authorities for their support in setting up the facility.
The “Cezeri Lab” project, implemented by TİKA in various countries, serves as a platform for academics, researchers, and students to engage in design, production, and research and development (R&D) studies.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) sponsored the 2nd Rohingya Football League, organized in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
As the Rohingya people mark their seventh year of displacement after seeking refuge in Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine region in 2017, TİKA continues its efforts to support and normalize life in the camps.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural tournament, which attracted significant interest, this year’s event was structured as a qualifying competition. Sponsored by TİKA, the tournament kicked off on March 13 with an opening match featuring 16 teams, drawing an audience of approximately 20,000 spectators.
The final match took place in the presence of officials and Rohingya refugees residing in the camps.
Tournament expected to raise public awareness
Speaking at the final match, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing the image, traditions, and heritage of the Rohingya community. He stated that the tournament aimed to foster solidarity, support the Rohingya people’s eventual return to their homeland, and raise public awareness. Rahman also encouraged participants to avoid conflicts and crime, expressing his hope that the event would have a positive impact on the community.
He concluded his speech by thanking TİKA for providing sports equipment and supporting the organization of the event.
In the final match, the Naymoy (2) Football Team defeated the Inndin Football Team 1-0, claiming the championship title. Trophies and medals were awarded to the winning team, while the Golden Ball, Golden Gloves, and Golden Boot were presented to their respective recipients.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) continues to share Türkiye’s expertise in advanced technology with partner countries. As part of this effort, the Cezeri Lab was established in the Republic of Maldives, and the first training programs have been successfully conducted.
Two-week training sessions were held in the laboratory, located within the Polytechnic Institute in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. A total of 21 academics and students, primarily from the fields of electrical-electronics and mechanical engineering, participated in the program. The training covered both theoretical and practical lessons on 3D design and printing, robotics applications, and mechatronics projects. Upon completion of the program, participants were awarded certificates.
Cezeri Lab equipped with devices made in Türkiye
TİKA provides young people with access to technology through Cezeri Labs, established in various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Algeria, and South Africa. Equipped with Türkiye-made 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutting machines, and robotics kits, these laboratories serve as innovation hubs for engineering students and academics.
As part of TİKA’s Science and Technology Education Program (BİTEP), Cezeri Labs aims to foster innovation by bringing together young talents. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills at CezeriFest, a technology festival first held in Ankara in December 2024, which is planned to become an annual event.
The Iyaziye Park and Recreation Area, renovated by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was inaugurated with a ceremony in the town of Iyaziye, located in Tal Afar, Iraq.
The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan; Tal Afar District Governor, Khalil Mohsen al-Habish; Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) Mosul Provincial Chairman, Martyr Ganim; Tal Afar Chairman, Cengiz İlyas; regional MPs, and numerous guests.
This project, implemented in Iyaziye—home to approximately 25,000 Turkmens—will provide a safe and peaceful playground for children, as well as new social opportunities for adults.
“Children’s smiles are the guarantee of our future”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad Anıl Bora İnan emphasized that Türkiye has always stood by the Iraqi people and highlighted that such projects further strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
As part of the project, playgrounds were modernized, green spaces were landscaped and seating areas were created to provide families with a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Additionally, all components of the 1,500-square-meter park were sourced from Türkiye and assembled on-site.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided specialized wheelchairs and sports equipment for Paralympic athletes in Herat, Afghanistan. Thanks to this support, the athletes are now able to compete in professional tournaments.
As part of the project aimed at supporting wheelchair basketball players in western Afghanistan, 20 custom-designed wheelchairs tailored to the needs of Paralympic athletes, along with various sports equipment, were delivered. Previously unable to continue their activities due to a lack of resources, the team can now participate in professional competitions thanks to TİKA’s assistance.
As part of this initiative, a basketball tournament was held in memory of Nader Shah Heydari, the former head of the Paralympic Federation, who passed away last year.
Following the match, Masoud Amiri, President of Herat Paralympics, expressed his gratitude for TİKA’s ongoing support for people with disabilities. He also acknowledged TİKA’s previous contributions and expressed hope that the cooperation would continue, emphasizing that such assistance serves as a strong source of motivation for athletes.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Herat Arafat Deniz stated, “TİKA always prioritizes projects that support individuals with disabilities. It brings us great joy to see disabled athletes actively participating in society and showcasing their talents.”
As part of a collaborative project between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), medical equipment was provided to the Georgian National Cancer Screening Center.
Through this initiative, four gynecological examination chairs and a hysteroscopy device, designed for accessibility by individuals with disabilities, were delivered to the center. The chairs aim to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly for women with disabilities, improving both patient comfort and the efficiency of healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the hysteroscopy device will contribute to the quality of gynecological healthcare by providing a modern solution for diagnosing and treating intrauterine conditions.
The newly delivered equipment has been deployed across the Didube, Saburtalo, Gldani, and Varketili branches of the Cancer Screening Center in Tbilisi.
Distinguished Guests Attend the Ceremony
Melike Yılmaz Özkiper, Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tbilisi; Zeynep Bayrak, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tbilisi; Zurab Chikviladze, Chairman of the Health and Social Problems Commission of the Tbilisi City Council; and Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative in Türkiye, attended the equipment delivery ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Chikviladze, Chairman of the Health and Social Issues Committee of the Tbilisi City Council, stated: “This equipment provided by TİKA will enable us to deliver more comprehensive and higher-quality healthcare services, particularly for our patients with special needs. Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of a healthy life, and we believe our screening services will improve even further thanks to this valuable support.”
Ms. Khan, UNFPA Representative in Türkiye, stated that improving women’s health will have a long-term positive impact on society as a whole. Melike Yılmaz Özkiper, Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tbilisi, emphasized that Türkiye’s cooperation with Georgia in the field of healthcare will continue to grow.
Contribution to Cancer Awareness
Additionally, brochures and specially designed cloth bags aimed at raising cancer awareness were distributed to the people of Tbilisi. This project not only helps educate the public about the fight against cancer and the importance of early diagnosis but also strengthens women’s healthcare in Georgia. Furthermore, it reinforces the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and Georgia in the field of health.
