Meta highlights AI and digital platforms driving Türkiye’s expanding digital economy

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Meta has highlighted the growing economic impact of its platforms and artificial intelligence tools in Türkiye, noting that the country’s digital economy is experiencing strong expansion driven by increased adoption of social media and digital commerce solutions.

This was shared by Kojo Boakye, Vice President for Public Policy covering Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, during the Meta Festival held in Istanbul, which brought together more than 550 business leaders, government officials, and innovators.

Speaking at the event, Boakye participated in a fireside chat on “Rewriting Tomorrow with AI,” where discussions focused on how businesses can leverage artificial intelligence to remain competitive and adapt to emerging digital trends.

He also referenced new research by Public First, which examined the economic contribution of Meta’s platforms across Türkiye, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI. The findings highlighted the role of these platforms in supporting businesses of all sizes and expanding access to global markets.

According to the data shared, Türkiye’s digital economy is currently valued at approximately ₺1.7 trillion, representing about 4 percent of GDP, and is projected to more than double to ₺4.3 trillion by 2035.

The report indicated that more than half of Turkish small business owners rely on Facebook and Instagram as their primary channels for customer acquisition and sales, while 73 percent of online adults in Türkiye have purchased from local businesses discovered through Meta platforms.

It further noted that WhatsApp generated approximately ₺220 billion in economic value in 2025 by reducing communication costs and improving access to markets for businesses.

Boakye emphasized that Türkiye’s digital ecosystem is showing strong momentum, with growing interest in artificial intelligence and increasing use of Meta’s tools by local companies and developers, including applications built on Llama models.

He stated that Meta’s platforms are playing a significant role in supporting entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses by lowering barriers to entry and enabling access to wider markets, contributing to what he described as a rapidly evolving digital economy in Türkiye.