The Africa Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation (MAEC) is responsible for a total of 49 countries out of the 54 on the continent, covering those that are part of the African Union and the geographic region of Sub-Saharan Africa. Relations with all of these have been considered a priority in Spain’s foreign action, and currently, the government is giving them more prominence through the recent 2021-2024 Foreign Action Strategy, the III Africa Plan, and Focus Africa 2023.

In her speech, Alicia Rico emphasizes that the African continent is gaining increasing weight as a global actor, and other international powers, such as China, the United States, and the European Union (EU), have gradually increased their presence on the continent, as its development will be crucial at a global level. In Spain’s particular case, Africa is considered our southern border, and undeniably, what happens there has significant repercussions for our country. Additionally, Alicia Rico reminded us that we have a historical responsibility to help this continent transform and create the opportunities it needs.

Unfortunately, African citizens have repeatedly suffered the consequences of years of famine, extreme poverty, climate change, ethnic conflicts, and terrorism, among others. These events have overshadowed the progress that has been made in areas such as democratization and conflict resolution between sovereign states on the continent. Therefore, offering help to Sub-Saharan Africa in addressing the various challenges it faces also provides global stability to other international actors. The only way to contribute to this transformation of the continent is through bilateral mechanisms, in addition to the EU’s own programs in areas such as economics, governance, and the creation of new opportunities.

Spain has reflected its action mechanisms in the recent III Africa Plan, where we find four strategic objectives: peace and security, economic growth and sustainable development, strengthening institutions and democracy, and orderly and regular mobility.

To conclude the digital meeting, Alicia Rico answered several specific questions about the Sahel, irregular immigration, the labor market, the impact of the Ukraine conflict, and commercial opportunities, among other topics.

Marta Herranz

Communication Assistant, INCIPE