Istanbul – The African diaspora in Türkiye celebrated African Youth Day on Saturday in Istanbul with the participation of Morocco.
During this event, organized by the “Bizim Afrika” association, in collaboration with the Consulate of the Kingdom in Istanbul, young African professionals highlighted the dynamics underway on the continent and discussed ways to enable African diasporas around the world to contribute to building the future of Africa.
This meeting also highlighted Morocco’s dynamic role in strengthening the capacities of young Africans, helping them to highlight their potential.
Speaking on this occasion, the Consul General of the Kingdom in Istanbul, El Mehdi Rami, affirmed that Morocco places South-South cooperation at the heart of its diplomatic and development efforts, adding that regional solidarity and responsibility are the pillars of Morocco’s approach towards Africa.
“Aware of the importance of investing in youth, Morocco has a long tradition of investing in young Africans. Every year, more than 7,000 students from different African countries join Moroccan universities and higher institutes, thus contributing positively to the development of their societies and their countries,” he continued, recalling that hundreds of African professionals benefit training in Morocco in various fields. He specified that nearly 62.9% of Moroccan foreign direct investments are destined for sub-Saharan Africa, thus offering young Africans opportunities to realize their dreams in their own continent.
Mr. Rami recalled that since 2022, Morocco has hosted the headquarters of the Pan-African Youth Union, a body dedicated to youth and national councils to the African Union.
In a statement to MAP, the general coordinator of “Bizim Afrika”, Farouk Mintoiba, explained that the event essentially aims to strengthen exchanges and networking between African skills residing in Turkey, “to enable them to act effectively in favor of the Africa of tomorrow that we wish to build”.
He added that this event brings together several figures from the African diaspora residing in Türkiye, who came to share their experiences and inspire the rising generations.
For her part, Rabab Kardalas, young Moroccan journalist and producer at the TRT Arabia channel, indicated that the event aims to strengthen exchanges and the sharing of ideas between young Africans residing in Turkey, while highlighting the importance of the integration of young Africans into Turkish society.
In a similar statement, the young journalist, who shared with the audience her vision of the role of the media in combating stereotypes regarding the African continent, stressed that the event also aims to provide young Africans with the necessary tools to integrate effectively while strengthening their African identity.
“Bizim Afrika” is an association founded in 2023 and which aims to bring together African diasporas in Turkey by offering them an organizational framework allowing them to create synergies between African skills and promote their professional and social integration in their host country. .
