Prime Minister Orpo to visit Africa for summit and trade mission

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will attend the European Union–African Union Summit in Angola on 24–25 November. From there, Prime Minister Orpo will continue on to South Africa, where he will take part in a trade mission promoting bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa on 26–27 November.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of relations between the EU and the African Union (AU). The seventh EU–AU Summit in Luanda, the capital of Angola, will bring together heads of state and government from both continents. The main themes of the summit will be promoting trade, investments and economic relations, deepening cooperation on peace and security, strengthening the multilateral system and developing cooperation on migration and mobility. A Youth and Civil Society Forum and a Business Forum will also be held in connection with the summit.

Africa is an increasingly important partner for Finland and the EU. As Europe’s neighbour, its development also has a direct impact on the future of our continent. Africa is especially significant when it comes to strategic competition, trade, critical raw materials, security, migration and social development.

South Africa is Finland’s largest trading partner in Africa. It is also the African country where the largest number of Finnish companies do business. Finland’s main exports to South Africa include machinery, as well as products related to the forest, chemical and mining industries. This is also reflected in the composition of the large business delegation that will accompany Prime Minister Orpo on the visit.

The delegation was put together by Business Finland and consists of representatives from the following companies and associations: Betolar, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Finnfund, Finnish Water Forum, Funidata Ltd, Gofore, HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management Ltd, Kemira Corporation, MeshWorks Wireless, Metso, Naficon Liitin Oy, Nokia, Normet, North Rail Oy, Peikko, ReOrbit, Sandvik Mining, Synchronia Networks Oy and Wärtsilä Corporation.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 07 33