Albares chairs annual meeting of Interministerial Commission for Africa at Spanish MFA headquarters

PRESS RELEASE 040

Albares chairs annual meeting of Interministerial Commission for Africa at Spanish MFA headquarters

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today chaired the annual ministerial-level meeting of the Interministerial Commission for Africa (CIMA) at his Ministry's headquarters, following its launch in March 2025.

The Commission joins the various initiatives developed in the field of cooperation with Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as the launch of the Spain-Africa Advisory Council, the strengthening of the Africa Round Table and the recent creation of the Spain-Africa Foundation.

This Commission is one of the instruments created for the implementation of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028, presented by the Prime Minister on 5 December 2024. The 2026 annual meeting of the CIMA, chaired by Minister Albares, focused on taking stock of the Strategy's implementation during 2025. Reports were also given on the milestones set for the region in the current financial year.

The event was attended by the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz; the Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente; the Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu; the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas; the Minister for Culture, Ernest Urtasun; the Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo; the Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz; and the Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, as well as other representatives from the various ministries involved.

Albares highlighted the fundamental role of CIMA as the coordinating body for the Spain-Africa Strategy. He emphasised that "policy towards Africa can only be effective if it is cross-cutting, coherent and sustained over time".

CIMA has proved to be a mobilising mechanism, which in its first year has already ensured that more than 80% of the Strategy's measures are being implemented. Throughout 2025, operational meetings were held at director-general level, in addition to online consultations as part of the preparations for the Summit between the European Union and the African Union.

As a result, bilateral contacts and political consultations with numerous countries across the continent have increased significantly, and initiatives such as the África Avanza Alliance, circular migration programmes and projects supported by the European Union-such as the Rapid Action Groups for Surveillance and Intervention (GAR-SI)-have continued to be developed.

Albares noted that the aim is not merely to increase Spain's presence on the continent, but to "consolidate a lasting partnership based on mutual respect and benefit, trust, shared responsibility and a shared ambition for progress".

For images, click here.

-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-