Event in Lisbon and Sesimbra Promotes Connections and Planning of Future Business Meetings Between Africa and Europe
The recent Afro-descendant entrepreneurship event held in Lisbon and Sesimbra offered a rich experience in networking and knowledge exchange. Edna Lopes, Honorary Consul of Cape Verde in Milan, shared her impressions of the event, emphasizing the intensity and value of the relationships established.
“It has been a fantastic, intense experience, rich with connections, information, experiences, and insights into other projects carried out by Afro-descendant entrepreneurs across Europe,” said Edna Lopes. As consul, she accepted the organizers’ challenge to represent the Afro-descendant group in Italy and to attract Italian companies interested in operating in Cape Verde. Among the attendees was Pietro Gorgazzini, CEO of Hypercube, based in Switzerland.
Reflecting on his experience, Gorgazzini highlighted the unique opportunity to connect with diverse talents and understand the challenges and opportunities from various perspectives in both the private and public sectors. “It was amazing, because we had the opportunity to meet so many different people, who understand problems, challenges, and opportunities from so many different angles. For us, also, in this beautiful setting in Lisbon, it was incredible to be here and share ideas together over these two days,” Gorgazzini stated.
Edna Lopes expressed promising expectations for the future, announcing an upcoming business meeting between Italy and Cape Verde, scheduled for spring 2025 in Milan. “We will have a next meeting, which will be a business summit between Italy and Cape Verde, in Milan. We will present various ideas and hope that entrepreneurs will want to come to Milan, meet, and present their projects to Italian investors ready to invest in various projects,” Lopes revealed.
Lopes further emphasized the importance of changing the narrative, encouraging Africans to use the know-how acquired in Europe to actively contribute to Africa’s development. “My hope is that we can shift the narrative as Africans, to stop waiting for our governments to do something for us, and instead, with the know-how we have gained in Europe, help unlock Africa’s growth,” she stressed.
This event, organized by the International Afrodescendant Group (GIA), which includes members from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Cape Verde, featured meetings and lectures on Afro-descendant business leadership and entrepreneurial challenges. Supported by the Cape Verdean government and various companies, the event underscored the importance of connections between Afro-descendant entrepreneurs and international investors.
The presence of notable figures such as Dr. Eurico Monteiro, Cape Verde’s Ambassador to Portugal, and Engineer Jorge Santos, Minister of Communities of Cape Verde, further underscored the event’s significance and commitment to sustainable development in Africa.
Edna Lopes concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate and voiced her determination to continue promoting business that contributes to Africa’s economic growth. “Business by people, in connection, bringing investors together with proposals, with ideas, and promoting Africa’s economic development,” she concluded.
This article reflects the experiences and aspirations shared by Edna Lopes, Honorary Consul of Cape Verde in Milan, and Pietro Gorgazzini during the event, highlighting the importance of business relationships between Africa and Europe for the sustainable development of the African continent.