On Wednesday, 22 May, commemorative celebrations were held at the Czernin Palace to observe Africa Day. The event commenced with an address by Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion took place featuring main speakers Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, Director of the OECD Development Centre, and João Gomes Cravinho, the EU Special Representative for the Sahel.
This event was part of the broader initiative known as National Development Days. Throughout the day, a series of roundtables were convened at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, bringing together representatives from the diplomatic community of African nations, Czech enterprises, non-profit organisations, and academic institutions. These discussions centred on modernising partnerships between the Czech Republic, the European Union, and the African continent.
“Africa is becoming an increasingly important geopolitical player. Its rapidly growing economies offer many opportunities for cooperation. At the same time, they represent a promising partner for the future,” said Minister Jan Lipavský in his opening speech.
Key topics included the transfer of advanced Czech technologies and expertise to Africa, the alignment of these initiatives with development solutions, the importance of education in empowering the young African generation as agents of change, as well as fostering scientific and technical cooperation, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing support for civil society.
