A REPORT (AFRICA DAY WITH PHOTO & VIDEO)

The future lies in Africa, says Szábo Lászlo

By Hakeem Babalola

Africa has been described as where the future lies. The assertion was made at the celebration of the 53^rd Africa Day in Hungary held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Thursday May 26 in downtown Budapest.

Speaking to a gathering of Africans, Asians, Americans and Hungarians, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dr. László Szabo, said that it is a thing of joy to know that the world has come to the reality that the future lies in Africa.

“I am happy that the world recognises the growth engine of the earth will be coming from Africa,” he said, adding that Africa is where the future lies."

Giving the assurance on being in the right path, the minister encouraged his country’s business men and women to look towards Africa for a fantastic opportunity the continent provides. On this he emphasised the need for the opening to be filled with content, partnership and friendship with cultural and economic change. 

Although he admitted that the current situation in terms of Hungarian export to Africa is nothing to write about, Szabo is optimistic that things would change in the next 5 to 10 years.

“Right now Hungary export to Africa is very small. About 1.2% of our total export is to Africa. This will change significantly in 5 to 10 years,” he stated.

He explained that Hungary has invested in terms of scholarship for African students most of who speak Hungarian and still have memory of Hungary even though they are now in their respective countries.

In her own speech, the Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in Hungary, H:E Lizeth Satumbo Pena, stated that the presence of the minister “sits well into the scope of global opening to serve policy of the Hungarian government programme as well as solidarity with African causes.

Pena, who is the Angolan ambassador to Hungary, explained the importance of the Africa Day. She said: “the event presents us the excellent opportunity to draw inspiration from the values and principles of our commitment to organisation (AU) and to pay tribute to the fathers of independence and the leaders of our respective countries fighting for the rights of our magnificent continent."

She told the gathering that in spite of certain scepticism from different places, Africa undoubtedly progresses year by year.   

Her sentiment was echoed by the representative of AHU (African Hungarian Union), Mr. Sándor Balogh who patted himself on the back for seen good things about Africa which many people did not see some ten years back.

“Ten years ago we said Africa was important but people did not listen. Now everybody opens towards this continent. So Africa is on  the winning cause – at last. 

Meanwhile there are some opinions about organising the yearly Africa Day. A Brazilian who is accustomed to African culture said that she did not feel the energy enough. Talking to Africa News Hungary, she complained that the cultural display was not African enough. "The drum, the music and even the fashion show is not to the standard one expects of Africa."

A Ghanaian also expressed her dismay at the low standard of organising, saying that Africa Day must  be an avenue to market the continent in every possible way with a well-structured theme. "Workshop and conferences," she observed, should be included in the future to facilitate a standard performance. 

Speech by Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in Hungary, H.E Ms Lizeth SatumboPena & DM, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, & AHU representative, Mr. Sándor Balogh


Cultural & Fashion show 


Some faces at the event

Yours truly 

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