Madrid last week became the epicentre of Afro-descendant dialogue with the celebration of AfroMadrid 2025, an international conference that brought together leaders, academics and institutional representatives to address restorative justice and propose the creation of a global development fund. The meeting, held in an atmosphere of cooperation, marked a step forward in Spain's role as a bridge between Europe and the African continent.
Far from the withdrawal that other Western powers are adopting, Spain remains committed to a closer and more sustained relationship with Africa. The Spanish government insists that the development and stability of the neighbouring continent are essential for shared prosperity, the management of migratory flows and regional security.
AfroMadrid 2025 also served as a showcase for the Spain-Africa Strategy, presented at the end of last year, which seeks to strengthen economic, cultural and political ties between the two shores. Within the framework of this roadmap, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promoted a Spain-Africa Advisory Council, made up of personalities from the diplomatic, academic and cultural spheres, more than half of whom are of African origin.
The new body is tasked with overseeing the practical implementation of the strategy and proposing concrete initiatives in cooperation, investment and public diplomacy. Diplomatic sources suggest that the council's first meeting in July laid the groundwork for a more balanced and horizontal collaboration.
With these initiatives, Spain seeks to consolidate itself as a European benchmark in terms of relations with Africa, committing to cooperation based on mutual respect, co-responsibility and a long-term vision. AfroMadrid 2025 has made it clear that the country wants to move from speeches to actions in its African policy.
Source: exteriores.gob.es; infobae.com