Tánaiste launches opening weekend of Africa Day events
Press release
19 May 2023Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has launched the opening weekend of Africa Day 2023 events taking place across Ireland.
Over 50 Africa Day events are taking place nationwide this year. Events take place in five counties – Cavan, Dublin, Galway, Kildare and Wicklow – this weekend, with the remaining events taking place throughout next week across the country.
A centrepiece of this year’s Africa Day celebrations is a free, family event at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, this Sunday, May 21st (11-6pm). Over 40 performers and community groups are taking part in an event showcasing African music, dance, art and culture.
Encouraging people to take part in Africa Day activities, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
“Africa Day is an important moment to highlight the increased links between Ireland and the continent of Africa. It is also a moment to showcase the positive contribution people from Africa and of African heritage continue to make to communities across Ireland."
“This year’s Africa Day programme of events is our largest ever. Across Ireland, tens of thousands of people will enjoy African music, dance, food and culture. From Cork to Donegal, this is an opportunity for people to experience the vibrancy of African cultures."
“The Government is ambitious in its approach to Africa. Ireland now has 14 embassies across Africa, while total two-way trade between Ireland and Africa stands at a record high of almost €8 billion. We see huge potential to increase political and trade links over the coming years.”
For full listings of Africa Day events, visit AfricaDay.ie
Notes to editors
- Africa Day is an annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures and potential of the continent of Africa.
- Held annually on May 25th, Africa Day commemorates the day in 1963 that 32 African countries signed the Charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which later evolved into the African Union (AU).
- Since 2006, the Department of Foreign Affairs has organised a programme of events each year to mark Africa Day. 2023 will see DFA fund 30 local authorities around the country.
- Sunday’s event on 21st May in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham will see over 40 performers and community groups come together to celebrate Africa Day. This is a free, non-ticketed event. There will be a main stage, with headline performance by Celaviedmai, along with a dance performance area, a craft stalls area and a ‘Cultural Village’ for community groups to engage with attendees.
- ‘Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025’ elaborates upon the commitments set out in the Global Ireland 2025 programme to expand Ireland’s engagement in Africa. The Africa Strategy is a whole of¬ Government roadmap facilitating the deepening of Ireland’s political, economic, cultural and development relations with African countries.
- Since 2021, the annual Report to Government on the implementation of the Government’s Africa Strategy has been published in May to coincide with Africa Day. The third annual Report, covering 2022, will shortly be brought to the Government by the Tánaiste, and will then be published. The reports demonstrate the importance attached to Ireland’s relationships with African countries, and detail the progress made in achieving the Strategy’s commitments.
ENDS
Press Office
19 May 2023
