“We cannot exclude anything, and changing the narrative when it comes to Africa is important to our mindset,” Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela told Lovin Malta when it comes to Malta teaming up with African countries to develop something within the space industry.

“If we go on the street and ask people what they think of Africa, most of them will mention ‘poverty’. But Africa is not about poverty, we have countries that developed so much they are engaging in the space industry and other high-value-added industries,” he said.

When it comes to space specifically, Abela has high hopes.

“We launched a piece of legislation on this, and this industry is interesting for us as a country and how we can progress in this,” he said. It’s a new industry for us, we need to work more on that, and we need to explore how we can also work with Africa in general, especially with certain countries that already have this industry.”

Abela said Malta had always traditionally enjoyed good relationships with the nations of the Maghreb, traditionally through missionaries and aid workers, but also with the developing countries of Africa, but said it was time to change the “monochrome” view some had of the continent.

“Malta is positioning itself as the connection between Europe and Africa while supporting a more ambitious approach, and the launch of our national strategy comes at an opportune time,” Abela said.

“Africa is very much on the agenda for the EU. This Africa strategy provides us with a path to the future,” he said.

Trade

Abela said Maltese businesses must be part of the narrative of growth and opportunities in Africa.

“There is a clear message emerging, which we must heed. Africa does not simply want aid. It wants trade, development and growth, more business-to-business contact and the sharing of skills and knowledge,” he said. “Malta-based enterprises are well-placed to play a greater role in Africa and we commit ourselves in this Strategy to helping with the research, the networking, and the groundwork that can identify and facilitate two-way trade and investment.”

On this note he added that in 2020, his Ministry which is responsible for Trade Promotion, will be leading trade delegations to Ghana, Ethiopia and Ivory Coast as well as an exploratory visit to Rwanda whilst also celebrating the opening of the first Maltese Diplomatic Mission in Africa, in Ghana.

Development

The Strategy also highlights the importance of development in Africa through the sharing of good practices to empower a rising Africa by unleashing the potential of every person, irrespective of gender, creed, or orientation.

In this regard, Abela highlighted the good work being done by Maltese civil society through the Maltese Government’s Overseas Aid programme. It is to be noted that in 2018, Malta’s expenditure for development in foreign countries, the majority of which was towards African countries, was over €28 million.

From 2020, the Official Development Assistance Fund has been increased to reach a total sum of €2 million. The Minister announced that a call will be soon issued for projects, encouraging a collaboration between non-governmental organisations and the private sector in support of international development projects.

Diplomacy

“Through this strategy, Malta will advocate for growth, for dignity, and for empowerment in Africa. We will seek to be true partners through our positions and policies within the European Union, the United Nations, and elsewhere,” Abela said.

What do you think of this developing strategy?