Trump and Africa: A victory for China and Russia?

The intensification of Russian efforts to establish itself in Africa through military agreements, the constant and pragmatic presence of China, new players such as India and Turkey, the possibilities opening up for the European Union, and the absenteeism of the US, which has already led to an increase in conflicts in Africa, were among the topics discussed at a dinner-debate event in Lisbon last week at the Pestana Palace.

The debate was part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence from Portugal on November, 11, 1975.

The event saw a remarkable gathering of minds, including academics, representatives of employers’ organisations such as APESP (The Confederation of Private Universities) and CCIPA (Angolan-Portuguese Chamber Of Commerce), and business leaders with strong connections to Angola. This diverse group of experts engaged in a vibrant and open discussion, steering clear of factionalism and focusing on constructive solutions.

The dinner also included the participation of a former PSD deputy-coordinator of the Assembly of the Republic’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nuno Carvalho, who moderated the debate, along with professors from Portuguese and foreign universities who brought a practical and strategic perspective to the issue.

The event was not only well attended, but rich and timely, with academics and businesspersons adding their valuable insights with in-depth analyses and practical perspectives, making the debate all the more enriching.

The attendees included Marcelino Félix, councillor at the Angolan Embassy, Rui Santos Verde, president of CEDESA, Onofre dos Santos, Retired Judge Councillor of the Constitutional Court of Angola, Miguel Salvado, Administrator of ESCOM Real Estate, Maria José Melo, Vice President of the CCIPA- Portugal-Angola Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Eugénio Costa Almeida, professor at Military Academy, ISCTE-IUL, among others.