Minister Brophy hails Ireland’s largest ever Africa Day celebrations
Press release
25 May 2022Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., has paid tribute to communities around Ireland who have come together to stage Ireland’s largest ever Africa Day celebrations.
Africa Day, which is celebrated today (Wednesday, May 25th), is being marked by events taking place across Ireland. Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs has partnered with 30 local authorities to stage a wide range of family events celebrating African cultures and people today and over the coming days. Events taking place across Ireland include musical performances, sports days, fashion shows, talks, film screenings and workshops.
Speaking from Mozambique, Minister Brophy praised Irish people’s engagement with Africa Day:
“Africa Day is a hugely important opportunity to celebrate African cultures, people and the growing links between Ireland and Africa. This year is our biggest programme of events yet, with a full week-long celebration of Africa taking place all across Ireland."
“It is a privilege for me to spend Africa Day 2022 in Mozambique, seeing first-hand the impact of Ireland’s long-standing commitment to the people here. Ireland’s partnership is making such a positive difference to the lives of people."
“Africa Day is also a chance to reflect on the enormously positive impact Africans and people of African descent have made in Ireland. Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community. Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the cultures and potential of the continent as a whole.”
Speaking during a week-long visit to Mozambique, Minister Brophy said that Ireland will prioritise continuing to grow its partnership with African countries in the years ahead.
Minister Brophy said:
“This is the century of African opportunity and growth. Africa will increasingly shape our world in the decades ahead. Ireland strongly believes in building and strengthening relationships right across the continent. Trade between Ireland and Africa is at record levels, our diplomatic links are growing, and our work through Irish Aid continues to change lives."
“Ireland and Africa have strong bonds built up over many years, from the missionaries and educators who made lasting contributions to people’s lives, through to the peacekeepers as well as the humanitarian and aid workers who continue to support peace, security and development. The cultural, economic and diplomatic ties between Ireland and Africa are growing all the time. Ensuring these relationships continue to flourish is a key priority."
“The EU is already Africa’s largest trading partner, its largest source of investment, and its biggest partner in development cooperation. All of those areas will continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Notes to editors
- Irish Aid has provided funding to 30 local authorities to stage Africa Day events. The majority of these events are taking place between May 21-28. Several local authorities – including Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kildare, Offaly and Tipperary – are hosting events today. See AfricaDay.ie for an interactive map of local authority events.
- Irish Aid launched the Africa Day Film Festival on Monday. A number of African films are being screened in Dublin cinemas. Tickets are free of charge and can be booked on AfricaDay.ie.
- This evening will see the launch of Revolutionary Routes: Ireland & The Black Atlantic, a new exhibition at EPIC Museum. The exhibition, which is in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs, presents twelve stories of departure, arrival and return, encapsulating Irish diaspora histories of abolition, racism, anti-racism and solidarity. It will be formally launched by Irish-Nigerian broadcaster, historian and bestselling author Emma Dabiri. The Revolutionary Routes exhibition runs at EPIC until October 2022.
- Minister Brophy is undertaking a week-long visit to Mozambique. During his visit, Minister of State Brophy will visit the Province of Inhambane, where Irish Aid has been working for many years. While there, Minister of State Brophy will visit Irish Aid partners working in the health, education, climate and nutrition sectors.
ENDS
Press Office
25 May 2022