🌍 African-Irish Economic Forum 2025 — Building Bridges Between Ireland and Africa

On Friday, 29 August 2025, the African-Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) hosted its inaugural African-Irish Economic Forum at the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, under the theme “Building Bridges: Strengthening Ireland-Africa Trade Relations.”

The forum brought together African and Irish business leaders, policymakers, and community representatives to exchange ideas, explore trade opportunities, and strengthen economic partnerships.

Highlights of the Event:

  • Opening Session:
    Moderated by Mr. Sean Montgomery, the session began with a keynote address by AICC President, Mr. Maurice Kikangala, who outlined the Chamber’s vision to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable economic collaboration between Ireland and Africa.

  • Keynote and Guest Speakers:
    A diverse lineup of speakers addressed topics such as community empowerment, trade opportunities, and investment potential across African regions.

    • Dr. John Lennon – “Building Bridges Through Community and Collaboration”

    • Dr. Lilyan Fotabong – “Empowering the Diaspora Through the AICC”

    • Mr. Barry – “Opportunities in Africa: Spotlight on Senegal and Guinea”

    • Ms. Rita Montgomery – “Diverse Investment Opportunities Across Africa”

    • Ms. Givens Mika – “The DRC: A Land of Opportunity”

  • Business Exhibition:
    The exhibition showcased Afro-Irish entrepreneurs and innovative businesses, featuring organic products, health goods, and sustainable ventures. It served as a dynamic platform for members to network and share their work with potential partners.

  • Networking and Relationship Building:
    The afternoon concluded with a vibrant networking session, where guests enjoyed local tastings and discussed collaborative opportunities.

In his closing remarks, President Maurice Kikangala thanked all participants and reaffirmed the AICC’s mission to continue building meaningful economic bridges between Africa and Ireland.

“This forum marks the beginning of a new chapter for African-Irish economic cooperation,” he stated. “The AICC will continue to champion collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in trade and development.”

The African-Irish Economic Forum 2025 stands as a testament to the shared vision of growth, innovation, and partnership between Ireland and Africa.

Three people standing in an office with a brick wall, a large television, and a wooden desk. The woman on the left has light skin and short light brown hair, wearing a yellow top and green pants. The man in the middle has dark skin and is bald, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, striped tie, and a Kenyan badge on his suit. The woman on the right has dark skin, wearing a colorful patterned headwrap, black sheer blouse, and matching patterned skirt, with a pearl necklace.
AICC Ireland-DRC business delegation members at trade facilitation event, cross-cultural commerce partnerships
A woman in a colorful headwrap and black sheer top standing at a wooden lectern in a room with exposed brick wall, large window, and ornate fireplace. There are black office chairs and a large flat-screen TV on the wall.
AICC member presenting on Democratic Republic of Congo investment opportunities to Irish business community
Illuminated sign reading 'The Sugar Club' mounted on a building wall at night.
People dancing and enjoying music in a dimly lit bar or club with red lighting and musical instruments in the background.
Musicians perform on a stage with colorful lighting, including a drummer, a person in a hat, and others, in front of an audience at a live music event.
Musicians performing on stage with a keyboard, percussion, and maracas, under red lighting, wearing colorful shirts.
A man with glasses and a beard singing into a microphone on stage, raising one arm in the air, during a live performance.

Africa Meets Brazil 1 – Event Recap

Presented in partnership with the African-Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC)

In Feb 2024, the African-Irish Chamber of Commerce proudly supported the inaugural edition of Africa Meets Brazil, a landmark cultural festival that brought together artists, audiences, and communities from the African, Brazilian, and Irish diasporas. Held in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar district, this two-day celebration marked a bold step forward in fostering cultural connection, creative collaboration, and community engagement.

AICC’s Role and Vision

As Ireland’s leading voice for African entrepreneurship, culture, and inclusion, AICC was honoured to sponsor Africa Meets Brazil 1. The event embodied our core mission to strengthen ties between Africa and Ireland—culturally, socially, and economically—through platforms that celebrate excellence, creativity, and heritage.

We were especially proud to support a project that not only showcased world-class artistry but also fostered genuine exchange and connection between diasporic communities living in Ireland.

Festival Highlights

  • Live Performances: The festival featured standout sets from Zeembass, Elikya, and the Yankari Afrobeat Collective, each bringing a powerful energy and distinctive voice to the stage. From Afro-Brazilian rhythms to Congolese rumba and Nigerian Afrobeat, the music lit up Temple Bar with sound, movement, and joy.

  • Cross-Cultural Collaboration: More than just a performance platform, Africa Meets Brazil gave artists the chance to learn from one another—exploring each other’s languages, styles, and musical traditions. These collaborations resulted in unique live moments that captured the spirit of unity and respect.

  • Dance and Language: The festival also spotlighted traditional African movement and song, with artists performing and singing in languages such as Lingala and Yoruba, allowing audiences to connect with these traditions in an authentic, meaningful way.

Community Impact

The event drew a wide-ranging, intergenerational audience—bringing together musicians, families, students, and cultural leaders for two days of shared celebration. For many, this was more than just a festival; it was an expression of belonging, creativity, and pride in cultural heritage.

Held in one of Dublin’s most iconic venues the Sugar Club, Africa Meets Brazil brought something fresh, joyful, and necessary to the city’s arts landscape—a space for diasporic communities to shine on their own terms while building bridges with others.

Looking Ahead

AICC is committed to continuing our support for Africa Meets Brazil and other initiatives that uplift African-led creativity and promote meaningful cross-cultural connection in Ireland. We believe that events like this are vital for a more inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected Irish society.

To all the artists, organisers, and audience members who made this first edition unforgettable—thank you. We look forward to seeing Africa Meets Brazil grow into one of Ireland’s most important celebrations of cultural unity and artistic excellence.