Spain will be the voice of Africa in Europe

Africa Spain Business Summit is a space for opportunities and networking in order to promote economic cooperation between Spain and Africa. This second edition, held in Barcelona, was inaugurated, on the afternoon of July 9, by the mayor of the city, Jaume Collboni, and had the highest representation of institutions such as Foment del Treball or the Port of Barcelona.  

Hassan Alaoui, president of One Africa, the organizing entity of the event, emphasized the importance that Spain has in the growth of Africa: ”We are here to learn and share with our Spanish colleagues ideas and opportunities on how to strengthen connections and promote business between Spain and Africa."  

Alaoui pointed out that “this is an open invitation to Spain to join the mobility and the African way. This high-level summit is an opportunity for Spain to create strong connections with the continent and to explore win-lose alliances on various issues of common interest.”  

Diego Martínez Belío, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain, congratulated the president of One Africa “for an initiative that is fully consistent with the strategic framework in which we aspire to situate relations with Africa. It is a strategic framework that we are updating in these months and that is based on the partnership between Spain and Africa, or what is the same, between Spaniards and Africans.”  

Martínez stressed that the initiative of this forum is part of Spain's strategy for cooperation with Africa, based on mutually beneficial partnerships, mutual respect and dialogue among equals: “Spain should make greater efforts to strengthen and diversify trade and investments with Africa, avoiding focusing on certain products or raw materials and countries.”

The Secretary of State confirmed that Spain is working to follow up on the commitments and objectives established in the 2030 Agenda and the 2063 Agenda of the African Union, and is willing to work closely with African countries to achieve sustainable and equitable growth.  

In addition, he confirmed the Spanish Government's intentions to maintain and prioritize cooperation with Africa, working to develop a social and solidarity economy, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area and promoting partnerships between Spain and Africa.

"Africa is and will continue to be an absolute priority in Spain's foreign policy and the country is working to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area and respond to the legitimate aspirations of African youth,” he concluded.

The presentation was also attended by Raquel Gil, Councilor for Economic Promotion and Employment of the Barcelona City Council; and Ramón Palou, vice president of the International Commission for the Promotion of Work.

Palou noted that "Africa is not only a continent rich in natural resources, but a land with immense potential and opportunities. Looking ahead, it is becoming increasingly clear that the economic and social prosperity of Spain and the European Union is intrinsically linked to the growth and development of Africa. We need each other in various sectors, from trade to investment, through technology and education.”

Palou encouraged the attendees to “take advantage of this moment to strengthen our ties and build solid collaborations. The Africa Spain Business Forum is a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration and action. Together we can harness the power of our mutual opportunities for social and economic development, and create a brighter future for our nations and our people.”  

Geopolitical landscape 

Next, Abdou Souleye Diop, managing partner of Mazars, spoke about the geopolitical panorama of Africa: “We are talking about a very large continent, with 54 countries, 2,000 languages and more than 3,000 ethnic groups. Regarding the economic outlook, there are many challenges in Africa, but also many opportunities to take advantage of.” 

Diop also spoke about sustainability, a very important aspect for Africa: "Many renewable energy and sustainability projects are being carried out, with the participation of Spanish companies, which have a lot to contribute.”

Regarding security, the partner of Forvis Mazars pointed out that “there are numerous threats and risks on the continent: terrorism, organized crime. The political landscape has changed a lot in recent years, with stronger governments and an empowerment of citizens.”Diop concluded by saying that "Africa is looking for global partnerships, beyond one-off aid. ES investment is needed, stable partnerships for sustainable development with other countries. And for this, we need mutual respect and, above all, transparency.”  

For her part, Teresa Guardans, founding partner of Oryx Impact, explained that “we have a very diverse portfolio, and we seek to increase intra and intercontinental trade, supporting local talent. There are many success stories that need to be shared. Investors and politicians have a unique opportunity to contribute to Africa's growth, and now is the time to do so.”

Opening session

This was followed by the first round table of the day, entitled “Understanding the forces shaping African markets and unlocking opportunities for investment and trade”.

The table was attended by Jean Lucien Bussa, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Jacqueline Adiaba-Nkembe, president of COSUMAF; Santiago García-Milá, Deputy Director General of the Port of Barcelona; Albert Alsina, founder and CEO of Mediterrania Capital Partners; and Abdou Souleye Diop himself, of Forvis Mazars.

Albert Alsina declared himself “a believer in Africa. The risk that is perceived about Africa is greater than in reality, that is why forums like this are necessary to approximate the reality. You have to understand the risks and for this you have to rely on local partners. There are liquidity, exchange rate and political risks”.

Santiago García-Milá, Deputy Director General of the Port of Barcelona, pointed out that "Africa is developing and there are many opportunities, and the maritime sector is playing an increasingly important role. Spain and Africa are linked by the Mediterranean, and with the problems in the Suez Canal, more and more companies are making the route around Africa and entering through the Strait of Gibraltar, which means that we have a growing relationship and cooperation with African ports".