ShareBy Chidi Emmanuel
KUWAIT: African diplomats, experts, professionals, Kuwaitis and thousands of African expats converged in Crown Plaza Hotel on Wednesday to celebrate Africa Day in a unique style. African Day is an annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), presently known as the African Union (AU). Celebrations were held in many countries across the globe.
Egypt's booth.The event in Kuwait was organized by African envoys in the country. It featured lots of cultural displays - with each African nation showcasing cultural heritage in its respective booth. 'African Day' also featured food fair, bonanza, free gifts and traditional dances. "We are celebrating our African diversity and heritage as we promote the investment potential in the continent," the Senegalese Ambassador in Kuwait Ibrahim Al Khalil Seck told Kuwait Times. The ambassador in his goodwill message thanked Kuwaiti leadership for promoting peace in the region. He urged Africans in Kuwait to be good ambassadors of their respective countries.
"Africa has lots of investment opportunities and untapped resources. We used this event to promote and lure investors," Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Kuwait Haja Ishata Thomas said. She highlighted the key programs lined up to make Africa an investment magnet and one of the greatest economies. On Africa-Kuwait relations, the top diplomat said that Kuwait and African nations enjoy good bilateral ties.
Trade ties
Speaking on the occasion, Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ali Al-Saeed said Kuwait is eager to bolster trade and investment relations with African countries, which in turn would help meet the needs of the local market. He cited an ambitious plan to boost bilateral trade ties, adding that an improvement in relations is aimed at stemming the food security crisis sparked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "Kuwait and Africa envoys have ratcheted up high-level talks recently as part of efforts to bring common goals to fruition," he said.
The African Union has designated 2022 as the Year of Nutrition. "On this year's Africa Day, the world must join together in solidarity with all Africans to strengthen food security, and put nutrition within reach of every person. We celebrate the enormous promise and potential of this diverse and dynamic continent," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, adding that the United Nations will continue to stand proudly with Africans.
"As we mark this day, we celebrate the socio-economic achievements of the continent. Africa is a home for all. On this day, we harness the enormous promise and potential of this diverse and dynamic continent. Our prospects are bright. Africa has a growing and vibrant youth population," Emeka Obodo, an African expat and businessman said.
