Africa House London Participates in the EurAfrican Forum in Lisbon.

Africa House London Participates in the 9th EurAfrican Forum in Lisbon.

The Portuguese Diaspora Council invited Africa House London to participate in the 9th Edition of the EurAfrican Forum, a two-day trade and investment conference held on 15th - 16th July 2026, at the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal.

The forum convened over 500 delegates, including leaders, policymakers, and business executives from across Africa and Europe, reinforcing its role as a premier platform for dialogue on Euro-African cooperation. The event featured high-level addresses from the President of Portugal, H.E. António José Seguro; the President of Mozambique, H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo; and the Chairman of the Portuguese Diaspora Council and former President of the European Commission, H.E. José Manuel Barroso. They were joined by António Calçada de Sá, President of the Portuguese Diaspora Council, alongside a distinguished lineup of ministers and dignitaries from both continents.

Africa House London was represented by Richard Semitego, Director of Government and Public Sector, who participated in a Geopolitics Panel Discussion. The session was chaired by Rui Faria da Cunha, Founder of EU-Legal (Belgium), and featured prominent contributors including Miguel Poiares Maduro, Dean of Católica Global School of Law and former Minister for Regional Development in Portugal; Florbela Paraíba, Ambassador and President of Camões, IP; Francisco Destino, Leadership and Institutional Development Consultant and President of Franstel Holding (Angola); and Professor Mohammed Azzim Gulamhussen of ISCTE Business School. The Keynote Address was delivered by H.E. Bianca Odumegwe-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

During the discussion, Richard Semitego emphasised the need for Africa to be treated as an equal partner in shaping international policies affecting both continents. He underscored that Africa is an increasingly influential force in global decision-making and can no longer be overlooked.

He also highlighted the importance of facilitating business and student visa processes to enhance the flow of trade, investment, and educational exchange between Africa and Europe. In addition, he advocated for expanded student exchange programmes to strengthen long-term partnerships and mutual understanding.

The forum provided a valuable platform for advancing dialogue, fostering partnerships, and identifying opportunities for sustainable collaboration between Africa and Europe.

In closing, Richard Semitego expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the EurAfrican Forum. He confirmed, on behalf of Africa House London, the organisation’s intention to participate in next year’s 10th Edition, particularly as it marks the 10th anniversary.