Africa Day 2023: Bridging the Gap for a Better AfCFTA Implementation in the Nordics

Stockholm, May 26, 2023 - Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th each year, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now known as the African Union (AU). This year, the African diplomatic community in the Nordic region, in collaboration with the Swedish government, organized a momentous event to commemorate Africa Day and highlight the importance of bridging the gap for a better implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the Nordics.

The Africa Day 2023 celebration took place on Thursday, May 25th at Fabriken, Stockholm. The event was organised by all the 20 African Embassies based in Stockholm and was attended by around 300 participants, including the African Heads of Mission, senior Swedish government officials, members of Parliament, and the African diaspora in Sweden. Under the theme "Bridging the Gap for a Better AfCFTA Implementation in the Nordics," the event aimed to raise awareness about the AfCFTA and its potential benefits for Africa and the Nordic region, promote dialogue between African and Nordic stakeholders, and showcase successful Nordic-African partnerships in trade and investment.

The event kicked off with video slide-shows from each country showcasing trade and investment opportunities. Success stories from the African diaspora, covering topics such as trade facilitation, skills development, access to finance, and private sector engagement, were shared to inspire further collaboration.

The celebration of African culture and diversity was a central part of the event, featuring musical and cultural performances by Udoka Cultural Group from Nigeria and the Kuvumbana dance group from Mozambique. The performances captivated the audience and highlighted the richness of African artistic expression.

The event culminated in the arrival of the Guest of Honor, followed by the African Union video presentation and a flag parade introducing all participating embassies. Remarks by H.E Irina Schoulgin NYONI, Head of Africa Department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and H.E George LISWANISO, Ambassador of Namibia and Deputy Dean of the Africa Group, further emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation between Africa and the Nordics.

Hon. Tobias BILLSTRÖM, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote address, reaffirming Sweden's commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the AfCFTA and expressing optimism for the future of African-Nordic trade relations.

The event concluded with the opening of a buffet where guests enjoyed African cuisine and beverages. The networking session provided an opportunity for further engagement and relationship-building among participants.

Africa Day 2023: Bridging the Gap for a Better AfCFTA Implementation in the Nordics served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration, highlighting the immense potential for trade and investment between Africa and the Nordic region. The event successfully fostered a greater understanding of the AfCFTA and encouraged stakeholders to actively support its implementation.

About Africa Day:

Africa Day is celebrated annually on May 25th to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). The day serves as an opportunity to celebrate African unity, showcase the continent's cultural diversity, economic potential, and political achievements.