The 5th edition of Africa XXI, organized by the Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (IPDAL) in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) and Atlântica – University Institute, took place today, November 20, at the Geographical Society of Lisbon. This event brought together leaders, experts, and diplomatic representatives to discuss key topics such as African integration and digitization for democratic strengthening.
The opening session featured speeches by Paulo Neves, President of IPDAL, Carlos Guillén, Chairman of the Board of Atlântica – University Institute, and David Henneberger, Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
The program highlighted two main panels:
- Panel #1: African Integration
Moderator: Odilia Abreu, Friedrich Naumann Foundation
Speakers:- Othmane Bahnini, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Portugal
- Victor Ângelo, Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Mohammed Tawfik Mouline, Director General of the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies
- Patrice Niyongabo, Head of the OACPS Information Centre for South-South and Triangular Cooperation
- Nelma Fernandes, President of the CPLP Business Confederation
- Panel #2: Digitization and Democratic Strengthening in Africa – The Case of São Tomé and Príncipe
Moderator: Gastón Ocampo, Secretary-General of IPDAL
Speakers:- Andrés Ibarra, President of the País Aberto Digital Foundation and former Minister of Modernization of Argentina
- Pedro Oliveira, Vice-President of Camões, I.P.
- Verdigal Mendonça, Secretary of Finance of the Regional Government of Príncipe
The Closing Conversation, moderated by Paulo Neves, featured Suzi Carla Barbosa, former Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, reflecting on Africa’s role as a driver of global progress.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, offering participants the opportunity to strengthen partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration. The 2024 edition of Africa XXI reaffirmed the importance of positioning Africa as a continent of solutions, showcasing its ability to address global challenges while promoting innovation and dialogue on the international stage.
