The African Union (AU) Pavilion in collaboration with the Argentine and Mexican Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai rubberstamped the South-South strong influence on the Agriculture, Food security and Climate change sphere, as experts from both the African continent and Latin America (LATAM) convoked to share and report on projects currently employed in the field.

The event rounded off Expo’s ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods’ week. A period that was dedicated to exploring how the global community can sustainably grow foods to meet future demand whilst ensuring agriculture works in harmony with ecosystems, promoting responsible consumption habits to reduce food waste.

Dialogue that will help transform the way we produce and consume to ensure good food for all.

In line with Agenda 2063’s 5^th goal housed under the First Aspiration, where the continent continues to explore how to sustainably transform African agriculture to enable the continent to feed itself and be a major player as a net food exporter.

The African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) led the Investment Opportunities, Women and Climate Change event, alongside Argentina and Mexico.

Engaging as countries from the African continent and LATAM, and key stakeholders to promote a better understanding on climate change impact on girls’ and women education, as well as discuss opportunities, gaps and actionable recommendations in developing and implementing gender sensitive disaster risk reduction with regards to climate change effects. 

AU at Expo 2020 Commissioner General, Dr. Levi Uche Madueke remarked that this was one of the strategic events that served the strategic mandate of spotlighting how Africa is open and ready for business.

“Todays conversations have really brought to light some amazing similarities that our key industry experts can continue to explore. Furthermore, continue to collaborate in sharing of tangible working ideas so as to advance the strides taken to limit the deep cause and effect of climate change; especially on our women and girls” concluded Dr. Madueke.

Africa-Latin America synergies present the best platform for growth in the food and agriculture sectors.

The event also afforded the time to share opportunities of investments between African Union member states and LATAM, in order to connect both worlds.

Barrister Abiola Oyekunle Ladipo said that Nigeria was one of the shinning lights of how Africa is open and ready for business, as a leading producer and consumer of rice, whilst also his native land sits as the 4th largest producers of cocoa.

“Since 2018, we produce 90% of the rice we consume and as a country of 200 million people, that is the benchmark that international investors should look at in relation to how far we have come,”

“The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) also serves as the best instrument to drive trade within Africa. Policies that serve as confidence instillers to the international market but also affirming our capability to produce international quality products.” concluded Mr. Ladipo.

The Director of the AU/CIEFFA, Dr. Rita Bissoonauth emphasised the value of the continued working relations between the two regions, encouraging all to continue exploring ways to better current systems for the sake of sustainability on both the African and Latin American continent.

“It is important to continue the partnership with Latin-America because each one of us have so much to share, a win-win situation that will continue propelling us forward,”

“We have Agenda 2063 as our united common cause for the African people and to have our Latin-American sisters and brothers, commit to continue the exchange of not only resources but the scientific IP (intellectual properties) will help safeguard the Africa and Latin-America we want” concluded Dr. Bissoonauth.

The event was in itself a testimony of the ongoing bilateral relations that experts in both regions enjoy. Attended by industry experts from as many as 11 countries.

Pablo Sivori, the Undersecretary of Trade and Investment Promotion of Argentina said “this meeting was very important because it was a space where we can explore and interrogate thoughts on how Africa and Latin America can find mutual working opportunities that benefit us both for today and the future,”

“Fighting climate change, incorporating women and youth, developing technologies and scientific systems that continue to develop both our regions, fostering relations based on our common interests in securing the future of all our people” concluded Argentina’s Undersecretary of Trade and Investment Promotion.

The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AU activities or events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en

For further information please contact:

Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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