Africa Day 2020 moves online as cultural and community links between Ireland and Africa are celebrated across social media

This year’s celebration of Africa Day (25 May) will take place online with contributions from community groups and others all across Ireland.

Speaking ahead of Africa Day, Minister for International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., highlighted the contribution that Irish Aid had made to sustainable development in Africa over the last 50 years and said:

“Irish citizens can be extremely proud of our international development programme, which is helping transform people’s lives around the world”

Minister Cannon added:

“I am delighted that this year Irish Aid has teamed up with local authorities and community groups across Ireland to celebrate the people-to-people links between Ireland and Africa. Keep an eye on Twitter @AfricaDay, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/africadayireland and on Instagram @africadayireland. Details about future Africa Day activities will be announced on the Africa Day website at www.africaday.ie

“Happy Africa Day, and I look forward to when we can celebrate together again in-person.”

ENDS

• Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 25, 1963. The day is celebrated around the world in locations such as London, New York, Sydney, Washington – as well as throughout Ireland! The day is an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the continent’s diverse history and heritage while acknowledging its cultural and economic potential.

• The annual programme of Africa Day in Ireland is supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Events aim to highlight the scope and benefits of Ireland’s engagement with Africa and increase public awareness of Irish Aid’s development programme throughout Africa.

• Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for international development. It is managed by the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further information is available at www.irishaid.ie.

• Africa Day, which falls on 25 May annually, is the official day of the African Union and marks African unity. For over a decade, Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been the driving force behind the annual Africa Day celebrations. In Ireland, Africa Day events highlight the scope and benefits of Ireland’s engagement with Africa by:
• Raising awareness of the official overseas aid programme managed by Irish Aid and its central focus on sub-Saharan Africa;
• Raising awareness of the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development;
• Increasing public understanding of Africa by highlighting the diversity and potential of the continent; and
• Raising awareness of the potential for bilateral trade and investment linkages between Ireland and African countries.