The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today presented the Spain-Africa Foundation, one of the most emblematic projects included among the hundred measures of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028. Its purpose is to promote cooperation between Spain and Africa in the political, economic, social, scientific and cultural spheres, as well as to foster greater mutual understanding between both shores.
During his address, the Minister emphasised that the Foundation “is born from the conviction that Spain and Africa share a common destiny and a shared responsibility in building a fairer, more sustainable and more humane future”.
Strengthening ties
The forthcoming Spain-Africa Foundation will serve as an instrument of public diplomacy and social partnership, helping to project Spain’s voice and presence in Africa and to strengthen human, institutional and cultural ties between our societies through a work programme that will include expert exchange schemes across various sectors, scholarships, seminars and dialogue forums.
Among its lines of action, the Foundation will pay particular attention to the Afro-diaspora and Afro-descendant communities, both in Spain and in Latin America. In doing so, it recognises their role as a human and cultural bridge between continents and their importance as key actors in building the Euro-African space.
Platform for dialogue
The Spain–Africa Foundation will be established as a private foundation with public participation, conceived as a platform for dialogue between institutions, companies, universities and civil society.
Its Board of Trustees will include GB Foods, AEE Power, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation itself, and Casa África.
In addition, Maman Sidikou, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Niger, and Suzi Barbosa, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, will join the Board of Trustees, reflecting the African vocation and genuine spirit of partnership that underpin the new institution.
Albares pointed out that the Foundation “will be an open, plural and inclusive house, designed to welcome all companies, universities and organisations wishing to contribute to building a stronger and more lasting relationship between Spain and Africa.”
Serving the Spain-Africa Strategy
The creation of the Spain-Africa Foundation reflects the Government’s commitment to consolidating Spain’s strategic partnership with Africa, reinforcing the values of dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect that inspire the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028.
The Strategy, which will guide Spain’s foreign policy towards Africa in the coming years, proposes 100 lines of action grouped into five strategic objectives: to strengthen a relationship that facilitates joint action; to foster sustainable African development focused on young people; to connect the societies and economies of Africa, Spain and the wider world; to protect by ensuring the safety of populations; and to coexist in open societies with strong, inclusive institutions.
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