Portugal Seeks to Expand Reach in Africa with 7th EurAfrican Forum 2024
The 7th EurAfrican Forum 2024 took place at the Nova University in Carcavelos – Cascais in Portugal from the 15 to 16 July 2024. The Forum was organized by the Portuguese Diaspora Council.
From the Portugal side, the Forum saw the participation of President De Soussa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, the Minister of Economy Pedro Reis and Ministry of Environment & Energy Maria de Graca Carvaolho. Additionally, Angola’s Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta, Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale and Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopun also attended and delivered keynote addresses.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Portuguese Diaspora Council Antonio Calcada de Sa highlighted the role of his organizaton to foster dialogue between Europe and Africa across a multiple of sectors and topics. The topics discussed included investment, energy, education, #digitalization, health, and sustainable development in general.
Interestingly, APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard centered his intervention on promoting and developing the Sports industry as a catalyst for growth of the African continent. Mr Pompigned-Mognard serves on the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit and is also the Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa.
“I am honoured to join this distinguished forum and share insights on how the sports industry can be a catalyst for the growth of the continent. Sports go beyond entertainment. It is widely recognised by development actors as a catalyst and an enabler of human development and social good, offering opportunities for jobs and revenue generation through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, venue management, tourism, infrastructure development, event management, hospitality services, sports technology, and fan engagement. Sports can also influence urban development by revitalising areas through the construction of stadiums and sports complexes, contributing to local economies.”
APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
The EurAfrican Forum was hatched by Professor Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, former President of the European Commission (EC) and current Chair of the Board of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen collaboration between EU and AU.
Portugal focused mainly on lusophone African countries but has plans to expand in reach as Africa emerges. In that regard, Portugal welcomed Mauritius, which is known as a bilingual anglophone and francophone country, to join the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).