Bridging South and North: The importance of South-South Cooperation in Moroccan Foreign Policy

May 24, 2025 

Ambassador Achgalou emphasized Morocco's openness to cooperation and trade with all countries, underscoring that national and international relationships must be built on mutual interests. He urged a pragmatic approach to building shared values and respecting the rule of law, particularly in areas concerning human rights, women, and children.

Further, the Ambassador discussed how Morocco plans to execute effective business strategies to collaborate with nations across Africa and the wider world. He highlighted the Atlantic Africa Initiative, launched in 2023 by the King of Morocco to support landlocked Sahel countries. This initiative represents a new economic and development doctrine, transcending traditional models with a pragmatic, ambitious, and forward-looking vision aimed at uniting efforts toward prosperity and human development.

Key Suggestions from the Discussion

• Win-Win Business Approach: Partnerships should be designed to benefit all parties, aligning with their respective objectives.

• Inclusion of the Private Sector: Active participation of private enterprises is essential for the success of South-South cooperation.

Integrating the North and the South: Core Priorities

The session explored how Northern countries can better integrate with the South through:

1. Good Governance: Transparent, accountable leadership is crucial.

2. Capital Flow: Increased loans and foreign investments can stimulate growth.

3. Peace and Security: A stable environment is vital for private sector growth and flourishing North-South relations.

4. Promotion of Arts and Culture: Cultural exchanges—such as the promotion of arts in Finland originating from Nigeria—foster human connection and mutual understanding, making initiatives more achievable.

5. Academic Contributions: Dialogue and collaboration in research and education have historically propelled regional development and can continue to do so for Africa.

Peace and Sustainable Development

The Ambassador reflected on the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, stating:

"There is no good war and no bad peace. Sustainable development and lasting security depend on peaceful conflict resolution, respect for human rights, and full recognition of the sovereignty of independent states."

He emphasized that cooperation and dialogue remain essential tools for fostering understanding and development.

Challenges in Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution

Ms. Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah pointed out that conflicts in Africa are too often resolved through military means rather than dialogue. Fragmented peace mediation efforts and the limited capacity of organizations like the United Nations make global conflict management increasingly difficult.

The Ambassador also discussed immigration as a global, natural phenomenon. He called for pragmatic, global burden-sharing actions to address this challenge. South-South cooperation, he noted, is fundamentally about human development and movement, which will be key to Africa's future progress.

Panel Participants

L-R: Moderator Dr. Josephine Atanga, HE Mr. Mohamed Achgalou, Ms. Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah, Dr. Thomas Babila Sama

AFAES ry organized Africa Week 2025 in Helsinki from May 19 - May 25, 2025. The goal of the week was to celebrate African cultures, support business and innovation between Finland and African countries, share modern African films and art, and encourage more interaction between African communities and Finnish society.
The event gave people in Helsinki a great chance to learn about the richness and variety of African cultures. The program was full of different activities, each day focusing on a special theme.
Highlights of the Week

Opening Day – Monday, May 19
The week started with a lively opening event, which included welcoming speeches, live performances, and the official opening of an African art exhibition. This set a positive tone for the rest of the week.

Beyond Borders: Journey Through The Wall of Art (PHOTO STORY) May 20, 2025

The second day of the ongoing African week event in Helsinki took place on Tuesday, May 20, at the Helsinki Urban Art Centre in Kinaporinkatu 2 A
Some of the finest artists from across Africa, such as Abolore Sobayo, Bokani, Kayode Olowu, Macoumba Ndiaye (who is also known as Maku Dakar), Michael Fashakin, and Olumide Jasanya, represented the culture of Africa and values of the continent via their artwork and insightful perspectives towards the future of their various countries. 

Africa Movie Day: May 21, 2025

Nigerian and Finnish Filmmakers Prepare for Major Collaboration

The Nigerian film industry and filmmakers from Finland are gearing up for a significant collaborative program in the near future.

Insights from Africa Week's Africa Movie Day Event

At the Africa Week celebration's Africa Movie Day event, held at Cinema Orion in Helsinki, Nigerian filmmaker and actor Chris Iheuwa and Nigerian-born, German-based journalist and filmmaker Lolade Adewuyi discussed the growth of Nigeria's film industry and opportunities for global recognition.

The Roots and Rise of Nollywood

Chris Iheuwa, known for iconic Nollywood works like Rattlesnake and the series Checkmate, is regarded as a pioneer of Nigerian cinema. Drawing from his Theatre Arts background, he traced the industry's origins back to the early 1900s, highlighting the first Nigerian-made film, Palava.

"The first movie was sponsored and created by the British Colonial Service (BCS). Not everyone had the expertise to produce a full-fledged movie, so early productions focused on comedy, skits, and stage drama," Iheuwa explained.

He also credited Herbert Ogunde's stage plays for laying the foundation for what would become Nollywood — now Africa's largest film industry and the world's third largest after Hollywood and Bollywood.

The Importance of Authentic Nigerian Stories

Lolade Adewuyi emphasized the unique role Nigerians play in telling African stories that entertain, educate, and inform.

"Nigerian stories are designed to tell and explain what happens to you and why there are successes and failures in life," he said. "The Nigerian movie industry focuses on spirituality and explores the adversities that personalities go through."

Collaborating Across Cultures: Finland and Nigeria

When asked by host Kirpi Uimonen whether they wanted to collaborate with a smaller country like Finland, Adewuyi responded:

"Film is a medium where cultures can meet. There's an opportunity for cultures to find a point of interaction."

He suggested exploring stories about Nigerians living in Finland, including their experiences with immigration, climate, and cultural adaptation.

"Nigerian filmmakers can bring films from Nigeria and the rest of Africa to share their productions with the world," Adewuyi added.

What Nigerian Cinema Offers Finnish Film Companies

Nollywood brings dynamic storytelling and a connection to diverse audiences. Collaborating with Nigerian filmmakers offers Finnish companies fresh narratives, access to diasporic markets, and the chance to co-produce films that reflect modern multicultural realities.

How to Find Collaborators: Tips from the Event

Here are practical suggestions shared by the speakers for Finnish filmmakers seeking to connect with Nigerian counterparts:

1. Word-of-mouth referrals.

2. Use social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).

3. Conduct research through Google and Wikipedia.

4. Attend film festivals and submit open documentaries — for example, the African International Film Festival.

5. Facilitate bringing key players from Lagos to Helsinki to build cultural understanding and personal relationships.

Speaking at the event : Chris Iheuwa, Lolade Adewuyi, and the host, Kirpi Uimonen.

Breaking Silence: Sharing the Voices of African Communities 

Breaking Silence: Sharing the Voices of African Communities

During African Week 2025, organized by the Africans and African European Association (AFAES), people came together to talk about important issues facing African communities in Finland. The main topics were mental health, racism, and how we can all work together to make a positive change.

The session was led by Ethiopian journalist Seblewongel Tariku and included experts from across Africa: visual artist and community leader Abolore Sobayo, social psychologist Eva Udeh, lecturer and researcher Dr. Christal Oghogho Spel, diversity expert Dora Puhakka, doctoral researcher and storyteller Osita Ifezue, multicultural expert Refka Elech, health practitioner Josefine Atanga, and social worker Innocent Kazembe.

First Session: Understanding Racism and Its Impact
The speakers shared their experiences of how Africans in Finland are often misunderstood or left out. They talked about different kinds of racism — from unfair laws and rules to personal actions, and even discrimination within the African community itself based on tribe or skin color.

Racism can hurt people deeply. It can cause stress, anxiety, sadness, and make it hard to find or keep jobs, especially when language or unfair treatment gets in the way.

The panelists suggested ways to fight racism and make life better for everyone:

• Think carefully before reacting to racism

• Religious leaders and community groups should help educate people

• Both immigrants and Finns need to learn about each other's cultures

• Know the difference between racism and other social problems

• Stop unfair treatment among Africans themselves

Second Session: Building Strong Communities and Taking Action
The discussions also focused on how Africans in Finland can come together and support each other. The speakers pointed out that Africans need to trust and hold each other accountable to create real change. They said parents and schools play an important role in teaching about racism and its effects.

Education and ongoing conversations are key, along with reaching out to lawmakers and institutions to make sure everyone's voice is heard.

Creative activities like drama and films were highlighted as powerful tools to fight racism and give a voice to those who are often ignored.

Moving Forward
At the end of the sessions, the message was clear: African immigrants should work together and take active roles in building a better, more inclusive Finland for all.

ANNA LINDH FOUNDATION

Welcome to Annalindah Foundation Week!

Join us and take part in exciting activities on behalf of your organization or community.

Register and more information here:https://forms.gle/BYbxpJFYH9DoRYJYA

Questions? Contact us: +358 45 246 2270 

Puhos loves People Festival

Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

Location: Puotinharju Puhos Shopping Center Itäkeskus and Stoa. Puhos Loves People is a vibrant cultural festival designed for the whole family, celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. This event brings together diverse cultures through music, fashion, art, and culinary delights, encouraging an open-minded exploration of new perspectives.

Collaborations:

Moniheli Network Initiatives 2024: Partnering with the festival to promote inclusivity and multiculturalism.

Afaes ry: Offering workshops such as Hair Braiding, Afro-dance, and African Food, adding a rich African flavor to the festival.

Funky Amigos ry & Interkult ry: Enhancing the festival with production, programming music artists, marketing

Activities:

Workshops by Afaes ry:

Magical Hair Braiding: by Bintou Korhonen .

Afro-dance: By Archibong Eyo aka Prince of Bakassi get moving with energetic Afro-dance sessions.

African Food: Savor the flavors of African cuisine .

Family-Friendly: Enjoy a fun with activities suitable for all ages.

Date: 25th June 2024
Time: 17:00 O'clock (5pm)
Venues:
Onsite: Pulttitie 16 A 32 00880 Helsinki (Afaes Office)
Online: Zoom
Meeting ID: 893 8038 8465
Passcode: 735754 

Africa DAY 2024

With great respect, Afaes and partners invite you to the 2024 Africa Day in Finland's annual celebration. This is Afaes 13th year of bringing this wonderful evening to the people of Finland. This year's official theme is,"The Year of Education" Educate an African to be fit for the 21st Century.

International Women's Day celebration 8.3.2024

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners from the Together platform, EarthAngels of Finland, YEPP ry, FFWPU-Finland, for their invaluable collaboration, which played a pivotal role in making this event a tremendous success. Their unwavering support and commitment exemplify the strength and solidarity of women coming together.

Contact us

 AFAES, which stands for Africans and African-Europeans Association, was established in Helsinki in 2003 as a registered multicultural association in Finland. Our focus is on representing the interests of both Africans and African-Europeans living in Europe, while also embracing the diverse cultures of the larger African continent.

We actively share African culture with the people of Finland through workshops, events, and various activities. In everything we do, we prioritize multiculturalism and open-mindedness. Additionally, we incorporate developmental projects into our activities to contribute positively to the goals and growth of AFAES.

We introduce African culture to the Finnish people through workshops, events, networking, and other activities. Our activities prioritize multiculturalism and open-mindedness.

• To combat racism and promote diversity through teamwork
• To give back to host Finnish society
• To employ African migrants to be self-sufficient
• To educate African migrants and develop their self-esteem.

• To developing and enhancing communication 
• To increase participation possibilities in Finnish society.
• To Train and support like-minded organizations
• To promote cultural mutual understandings

• Events: African Day, Thank you Finland (Kiitos Suomi), Mother's Day etc
• Workshops: NGO training, Finnish Language Lesson
• Networking: Moniheli, Fingo

We are committed to offering diverse contributions to enhance your experience.  

Photo gallery

Entering the Afaes event space is an immersive experience, filled with vibrant energy . The people of Afaes are warm-hearted, ensuring you feel welcomed and at home. As you engage with the community, you'll have the opportunity to savor a truly unique and authentic taste of African culture, making your time at Afaes both enjoyable and enriching.

Photo gallery