The Africa Union (AU) has re-defined and strengthened its cooperation with traditional continental partners (Africa-Europe Partnership, China-Africa Forum, TICAD with Japan), and has engaged, after 2004, in a number of new continent to continent partnerships, aiming at enhancing development and promoting growth. The most recent of these continent to continent collaborative framework concern Africa-India, Africa-Turkey and Africa-South America (ASA). They are based on the AU vision and development strategy outlined in the NEPAD programme and principles of trust, equality and mutual respect and require reciprocal obligations and responsibilities.
The Africa-South America Partnership is relatively new and gradually gaining momentum. The first ASA Summit was held in Abuja, Nigeria (2006), the second in Isla de Margarita, Venezuela (2009). They predominantly discussed political solidarity, based on the two regions common historical and cultural background and vocation. The third summit held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (20-22 February, 2013) focused on “Strategies and Mechanisms to strengthen South-South Cooperation”. GFAR Consultant and former FORAGRO Chair, Mario Allegri participated in the summit where he delivered a presentation in the Panel on Agriculture and Innovation. Mr Allegri`s report is available here.
Now, ASA is engaging in putting in place mechanisms for effective implementation of concrete economic projects identified around Africa needs and South America core interests. The III ASA Summit reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen collaboration for the mutual benefit of the two Regions around joint projects addressing common challenges under the following main areas: trade negotiations, climate change, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, transport, human rights, education, youth and gender mainstreaming.”