The seminar was held as part of the annual Africa Week and on the occasion of the publication of the „Africa's Development Dynamics“ report, published annually by the OECD in cooperation with the African Union. You can find the full report here: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/africa-s-development-dynamics-2021_0a5c9314-en

In his introductory remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Tlapa said: “The Czech Republic is preparing a new strategy for Africa and a great OECD data-based study will help us understand the basic socio-economic trends in Africa. Our strategy focuses on economic cooperation with added value, high-tech solutions and expertise. Africa is a continent of enormous opportunities, but we need to be able to realize its potential."

Federico Bonaglia, Deputy Director of the OECD Development Center, introduced the presentation. OECD experts sought answers to the following questions: What are the current socio-economic trends on the continent? Can digitalization help create quality jobs and increase the resilience of African economies to the global recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Ambassador of Egypt, Mr. Said Mohamed Elsaid Hindam, gave final remarks on behalf of the African group of ambassadors accredited to the Czech Republic: “We very much welcome the fact that the Czech Republic is preparing a strategy for Africa. As Deputy Tlapa emphasized, we need to work with Africa, not for Africa. Africa is the continent of the future; we have a young generation that brings new impulses, new ideas, and new energy."

The seminar was followed by a discussion opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Czech Republic, Ms. Naomi Ribbon Mosholi: "Peace and stability are key prerequisites for development. We need to look to the future, to create the conditions for the employment of the young African generation, right in Africa. We should focus on issues such as the outflow of capital from the continent in the form of tax avoidance by large technology companies."

Recording of the seminar is available here:

https://www.facebook.com/286415821765747/videos/238969147746339

For more information, follow the FB of the Department of Sub-Saharan Africa:

https://www.facebook.com/mzvcrAfrika