On 12 May 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, will open an international forum for partnership between Latvia and the African countries, Latvia and Countries in Africa: Advancing Resilience and Development through Digital Solutions. The second edition of the forum organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held in Riga from 11 to 12 May, aims at promoting bilateral cooperation, especially in economy and topics on the international agenda.
This year’s event will focus on the role of digital solutions in promoting resilience and development, while highlighting the health sector and the importance of strengthening women’s digital skills. The forum will bring together participants from Latvia and African countries (Algeria, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, and Nigeria) representing international organizations, diplomatic missions, as well as the non-governmental and private sectors.
Latvia has earlier experience of fostering digital skills in various countries in Africa: development cooperation projects have been implemented with the aim of promoting interest among women and girls in technology and science and facilitating their business activity. The projects have been carried out in Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana.
In 2024, the forum Latvia and African Countries: Partners for Peace and Resilience welcomed over 100 participants including public officials, members of the civil society sector, businesspeople, and guests from 18 African countries.
In parallel with the forum, the Latvian National Museum of Art will unveil an exhibition of African art. It will be on display from 13 May to 7 September.
For media attention on 12 May
Photo and video opportunities at the venue of the forum – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, K.Valdemāra iela 3, Riga:
- at 10.00-10.30 – opening remarks by the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Uganda
- at 16.15-16.30 – the final session of the forum
To register for participation, media representatives are invited to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via e-mail media@mfa.gov.lv by 9.00 a.m. on 12 May.
Please arrive in time – 15 minutes before each event.