Malta seeks Africa opportunity

Is the future indeed bright for Africa which is currently the most backward continent in the world?

This is one crucial question that can only be answered in that same future.

But going by the mindset of the bright boys behind Malta, Africa is on track to becoming an economic force.

According to its Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela while launching the first policy document for public consultation, Africa is being seen by Malta as a vital strategic partner for the coming five years.

Focusing on trade, diplomacy and development, the policy document, Malta and Africa: A strategy for partnership 2020-2025, concentrates on the exchange of wealth and creating opportunities in changing times between Malta and Africa.

In his opening address, Abela highlighted the message that Africa is an emerging economic force. He remarked that Malta’s national strategy serves as a guide for the development of Malta’s relations with the continent of Africa in the period ahead, ensuring that Malta is not simply a passive player in a changing world, but an active contributor to solutions, and a worthy proponent of policy and opportunities for growth.

In his words, the strategy responds to the demands of a changing Africa and charts how Malta can deepen relations through the values of trust and the dialogue of partnership.

“To make this a success, we need to be part of the narrative of growth and opportunity in Africa,” he stated as he outlined proposals to build on Malta’s strong existing relationships to include a greater role for Maltese business, a role that will help create new investment and trade which will be mutually beneficial to Malta and Africa. “There is a clear message emerging which we must heed. Africa does not simply want aid. It wants trade, development and growth. More business-to-business contact and the sharing of skills and knowledge. Malta-based enterprises are well-placed to play a greater role in Africa, and we commit ourselves in this strategy to helping with the research, the networking and the groundwork that can identify and facilitate two-way trade and investment.”

On this note, he added that this year, his ministry, which is responsible for trade promotion, will be leading trade delegations to Ghana, Ethiopia and Ivory Coast as well as an exploratory visit to Rwanda whilst also celebrating the opening of the first Maltese Diplomatic Mission in Africa, in Ghana.