AFRICO consolidates its position as a strategic business hub between Europe, Africa and Latin America, with the Canary Islands as its base.

 

The Ibero-African Association of Chambers of Commerce (Africo) has taken a firm step in its process of institutional consolidation during a recent meeting in Gran Canaria, which served to plan future actions and strengthen its structure. This move underlines the association's ambition to act as an effective bridge for business cooperation between three continents: Europe, Africa and Latin America.

 

A fundamental milestone of the meeting was the formalization of New additions which significantly expand the scope and the European and Atlantic dimension of AFRICO. The following were added as partners: Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and Associação Industrial Portuguesa (AIP) – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Portugal.

 

Additionally, the election of the new Board of Directors, an essential step to provide the organization with the necessary administrative operability and ensure continuity in the development of its strategic initiatives in the field of foreign trade and investments.

 

 

During the meeting, the incorporation of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and the Associação Industrial Portuguesa (AIP) – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Portugal as partners was formalized.

 

 

Luis Padron, President of the Association, presented a detailed report on the international promotion activities already carried out and those scheduled for the two-year period 2025 and 2026. Register emphasized the strategic relevance of institutional and business collaboration to intensify trade and investment flows between the three regions.

 

The AFRICO initiative received a resounding support of various personalities in attendance, highlighting the potential of the association:

• Joseph Louis Bonet, president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the members for the work done and highlighted the partnership as an "instrument of cooperation" between Europe and Africa.

• The Embassador Akadiri, CEO of FEWACCI, made a significant proposal: the creation of a African Secretariat in Nigeriawhich was "well received" by the attendees, showing the ambition for decentralization and expansion on the African continent.

• Suzi Barbosa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea Bissau, expressed her support, especially in relation to the scope of the ECOWAS countries.

• The Government of the Canary Islands reaffirmed his commitment through Luis PadillaThe Director General for Africa highlighted the "contribution of resources for the development of activities in 2025," consolidating the Canary Islands as the epicenter geographical and strategic nature of these relations.

 

The meeting concluded with a renewed shared commitment to continue promoting the business integration between Ibero-American and African countries, with the clear vision of positioning the Canary Islands as the gateway for these international flows.