The EurAfrican Forum 2024 Ended Today
The seventh edition of the EurAfrican Forum concluded today, July 16, 2024, at Nova SBE University in Carcavelos, bringing together political and business leaders from various sectors to discuss strategic partnerships that drive sustainable development between Europe and Africa.
With the theme "Africa: The Next Chapter – Partnerships for Growth“, the event was attended by more than a hundred speakers, including the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun.
Innovative Partnerships
During the EurAfrican Forum, Maria Ramos, of the Portuguese Diaspora Council, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between continents through innovation and green infrastructure. Ramos emphasized the need for European investment in areas such as green energy and natural resource management, leveraging Africa's potential for sustainable development.
This focus on innovation was reinforced by Gugu Dingaan of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, who highlighted the crucial role of women in economic development and the need for policies that ensure equal opportunities.
Dingaan noted that although women represent half of the population and are pioneers in the development of microenterprises, they still face significant challenges in achieving equal opportunities.
"It is crucial that policies are implemented to ensure women's participation in all economic sectors," Dingaan said.
José Miguel Cerdeira, of BFA Angola, emphasized the importance of banks in economic diversification and supporting the agricultural sector. Cerdeira emphasized that banks should offer support and training to smallholder farmers to promote sustainable growth.
He also mentioned the relevance of regional free trade agreements in Africa's economic transformation, highlighting the need for closer cooperation between Europe and Africa to exploit these opportunities.
Cerdeira also highlighted that economic diversification is essential for sustainable growth and that banks have a vital role in supporting this transition, not only by managing assets, but also by providing education and resources to local farmers.
Growth Opportunities
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During the two days of the EurAfrican Forum, various topics were discussed, including investment, internationalization, energy and mining, education, sports, digitalization, infrastructure and urban planning, agribusiness and health.
The Portuguese Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, and the Angolan Minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, participated in the debates, highlighting the importance of cooperation in key areas for economic and social development.
Maria Ramos also mentioned the need for investment not only in physical infrastructure, such as ports and railways, but also in emerging technologies that could revolutionize the energy sector in Africa.
The creation of strategic alliances that drive sustainable development was a recurring theme in the debates, with an emphasis on the importance of innovative and inclusive growth that benefits both continents. The need for an inclusive business environment that promotes gender equality was also a central point in the discussions.
Dingaan emphasized that, in addition to giving women a voice, it is essential to create policies that guarantee women's participation in leadership and management positions. This inclusion is seen as a crucial step towards sustainable economic development and the creation of equitable opportunities.
CPLP and International Relations
At the closing session of the EurAfrican Forum, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, advocated for Mauritius' accession to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). He highlighted the CPLP's growing importance on the international stage and the role of Angola and Mozambique in the Mauritius region.
The President of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun, stressed the need to encourage Mauritian students to learn Portuguese, strengthening relations with Portuguese-speaking countries.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that the CPLP has been increasing its number of observers and its global influence, highlighting Paraguay's recent membership as an associate observer. This growth demonstrates the CPLP's relevance as a platform for international cooperation.
The category of associate observer and consultative observer of the CPLP was created in 2005, following a decision by the Community's Council of Ministers, opening up the opportunity for the eventual entry of Portuguese-speaking States or regions from third countries.
States wishing to acquire the status of associate observer must share the guiding principles of the CPLP, particularly with regard to the promotion of democratic practices, good governance and respect for human rights, and must pursue objectives identical to those of the organization through their government programs.
Conclusion
The EurAfrican Forum 2024 has emerged as a vital platform for creating innovative and sustainable partnerships between Europe and Africa.
With a clear vision of cooperation and mutual growth, the leaders present at the event charted a promising path for the future of relations between the two continents, emphasizing the importance of innovation, gender equality, and sustainable development.
The presence of high-level leaders and the discussion of topics relevant to economic and social development demonstrate the commitment of both continents to working together for a more prosperous and integrated future.
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Picture: © 2024 DR
