By José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil
ON 25 May 1963, 30 countries met in Addis Ababa to establish the Organization of African Unity, to jointly face the new challenges arising after decolonisation. The African Union, which now has 53 member countries, succeeded the OAU in July 2002, but on 25 May, we continue to observe Africa Day. Spain has always joined in this celebration, for reasons of historical friendship, of close geographic proximity, of solidarity with its projects and because we are convinced that our own progress and welfare also depend on what happens on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The African continent is much more complex, diverse, vibrant and rich in nuances than the clichéd, exotic Africa we see in a distorting mirror, than the neo-paternalistic outlook so often encountered, than the headlines and news stories about this continent, with their images of violence, poverty and desperate men and women, who so often perish in the quest for a better life within Europe’s borders.
Africa is much more than all that. Because Africa is, beyond a doubt, the region of the world where the phenomenon of globalisation is having the greatest impact. In my view, this impact is a force for the good of all Africans, for their hopes and for those of us all.
Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, at 6 percent per year in 2014, according to the World Bank. Its democratically-elected governments succeed each other, and its dynamic and entrepreneurial peoples are creating an ever-growing middle class. The continent has immense natural resources, with the potential to make it the planet’s major provider of grain and energy, and a cultural wealth that is inspirational and enjoying increasing recognition.
But the most important of all these considerations is that Africa knows itself and intends to be master of its own destiny. The African people are taking on responsibility for their present and future, creating their own architecture of peace and security, and ensuring that continental and regional integration will constitute vectors of development and growth. Africa is a continent that is helping itself, that is making productive use of the remittances sent by its emigrants, and that is developing South-South cooperation. The positive evolution of many countries in Africa is leading, gradually but resolutely, to a new stage of relations in which the participation of private companies, trade and investment are forming the bedrock on which the expectations of the continent are based, on which to consolidate its stability, growth and development.
Spain well understands the magnitude of the challenge, and for this reason, we are ready to act, viewing Africa as a strategic partner on equal terms, who will help us identify problems and provide solutions.
Spain has diplomatic representation in 31 African countries, and economic and trade offices in eleven. Africa is the main destination of our development cooperation. In the last ten years, we have contributed over €6.3 billion (about N$90,2 billion) to sub-Saharan Africa and over €1.6 billion (N$22,9 billion) to North Africa. In 2013, our exports doubled those of 2007 and today our companies export more to Africa than to Latin America. We encourage Spanish companies to invest in Africa and to work with African partners. Spanish companies are world leaders in some sectors that are crucial to Africa’s economic prosperity and have extensive experience in the management of EU funds. These elements form a perfect combination that can be used to the benefit of many African countries.
Spain actively supports the cause of peace and security in the continent. We are the country that has contributed the highest number of troops to the EU mission in Mali. We are also present in Niger, Somalia and the Central African Republic, and we are combating piracy by means of Operation Atalanta. We are active in conflict prevention and, together with Morocco, we recently launched a Mediation Initiative for the Mediterranean.
Well aware of the importance of accompanying the processes of democratic governance, in 2012 we initiated the Masar programme in North Africa, and we will soon launch the APIA programme to promote inclusive policies in sub-Saharan Africa. We have instruments of public diplomacy, such as Casa África, Casa Árabe and Casa Mediterráneano, to deepen mutual understanding. Our ties and commitment to the continent will be strengthened as the society of our country comes to have a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa.
In the European Union, Spain has promoted numerous initiatives, such as the Strategy for the Sahel and the Strategy for the Gulf of Guinea. In 2007 to 2013, we contributed 7.85 percent of the funds for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) and we shall provide 8 percent for the 11th Fund from 2014 to 2018. We are also actively involved in the negotiation process to sign Trade Partnership Agreements.
We have promoted policies on migration issues, such as the EU Global Approach to Migration, and we are involved in all the processes aimed at controlling migratory flows, such as the Rabat Process, Mobility Partnerships and the Africa-EU Partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment. In all of this work, we take a comprehensive, balanced view, to serve the best interests of the countries of origin and destination. We are an example on this issue.
Spain is doing a lot, but we wish to go further. If in the period of 2015 and 2016 we occupy a seat on the UN Security Council, we have the ability and the intention to be excellent ambassadors of Africa.
Spain well knows that the African continent is now the master of its own destiny and is blazing its own trail. We need only to listen, and help.
• José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil is the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs. This piece was first published in the Spanish newspaper La Razón.