Brazil Africa Institute opens headquarters in Accra
The Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF), a non-governmental organization has launched its headquarters in Accra, the capital town of Ghana aimed at increasing the relationship between Brazil and Africa by expanding trade relations, investment and knowledge exchange.
The new office which is the first of its kind in the African continent is located within the Brazilian Embassy in Accra.
According to expectations, the office is not only meant for the facilitation and execution of the IBRAF’s actions in Africa, but also attracts new ideas for the development of Brazil and the African countries.
Created in 2012 with the aim of being a catalyst for opportunities between Brazil and Africa, within the scope of Triangular Technical Cooperation, IBRAF covers areas of expertise such as Education, Health, Science and Technology, Culture, Tourism, Sports, Agriculture and Development of Industry and Commerce.
Speaking at the launch, Former President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor described the Brazil Africa partnership as a laudable move that would foster good relations between the youth of Africa and the Brazilian counterpart to bring about accelerated development within the African continent.
He was however elated the partnership will grow up to become a viable one that would not only strengthen the already existing ties between Africa and Brazil but bring about positive changes to the youths across the both divide.
“I’m very glad to know that since this partnership is not between gov’t and gov’t but between a private institute and people, it might engender people to people relationship and I think that Prof. João Bosco Monte is thinking of linking the youth of Brazil with Africa the right way”.
For her part, Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Hon. Abena Pokua Busia expressed optimism about the possibilities of the institute, adding “because of the potentials it holds to be truly creative about the nature of partnership that we can have”.
She maintained Ghanaians youths are best positioned to benefit firsthand from the resources of the Institute being lucky to have the institute’s headquarters established here in the Ghanaian soil.
In her brief opening remark, the Brazil Ambassador to Ghana, Maria Elisa Teófilo de Luna commended Former President Agyekum Kufuor for accepting the offer to serve as the Board Chair of the Brazil Africa Institute.
She expressed confidence in the institute to deliver effectively towards realization of its objectives in the years to come promising a full support of the Brazilian Embassy at all times.
Founder and president of the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF), President, Professor João Bosco Monte in an interview disclosed his decision that informed the selection of Accra as a location for the institute’s headquarters was due to the fact that it has an impressive traffic situation(the amount of people on the street), the possibilities of flight connections including the unflinching support being received from the government and the Brazilian Embassy in Ghana.
“Accra is the only place where we will be doing our activities within the continent. It is important to mention that Accra is the gateway for us at this moment so we’re entering into the continent officially through Accra. It is our very landmark at the moment at the continent because we’ve decided to start activities officially in this country”.
Prof. Joao Monte explained Ghana stands the chance to benefit greatly through this partnership in terms of exposure and Accra will be ahead of others in hosting numerous upcoming events the institute intends to hold.
For example, he pointed out to a number of upcoming workshops which will be hosted in Ghana including the Brazil Africa Forum, a on Mechanization and the Youth Technical Training Program(YTTP).
He also noted the Institute is poised to facilitate a lot of exchange programs in the coming years which will see young Africans enjoy a stay in Brazil for a period of two months to receive training in areas like Agriculture, Health,Education, ICT etc. that Brazil is succeeding.
There will also be an area which focuses on research that will see Brazilian Professors, Academicians and lecturers visit Africa countries to dialogue with local Universities to exchange knowledge and business ideas.
The launching ceremony took place at the forecourt of the Brazilian Embassy in Accra on Monday March 27, 2018.
It was graced by the Former President of Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Agyekum Kufuor, some ministers and appointees of the state, ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Brazilian Community and some Crème de la creme of the society.
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