merrion street

Family fun days, an African Bazaar, public debates, food-tasting and sports activities are among the events taking place in Dublin, Limerick and Galway over the coming weeks to celebrate Africa Day 2011.

Africa Day is an initiative of the African Union. It falls on 25 May each year and celebrates African diversity and success and the cultural and economic potential of the continent.

Unveiling this year’s programme for Africa Day in Ireland, Minister of State for Trade and Development, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., said today:

"It gives me great pleasure to announce this weeklong series of events to mark Africa Day in Ireland. We can look forward to a great line-up of performances, fun family events, art exhibitions, debates and educational activities from 21 to 29 May.

"This presents a great opportunity for communities to join with people from all over Africa to celebrate their cultures and traditions. I am pleased to announce that we will be supporting a series of cultural and community events in Dublin, Limerick and Galway. We hope that other organisations involved in education and awareness-raising will organise and participate in events all around the country.

"I would like to thank all of those who are giving their time and energy to organising the line-up and also Dublin City Council for their support in promoting Africa Day and organising community events.

"Ireland has developed strong connections with Africa over many years, not least those forged by Irish missionaries and non- governmental organisations. More recently, we have seen an increase in trade and business links, while many African communities here are making an invaluable contribution to Irish society.

"Ireland’s overseas development programme is strongly focused on sub-Saharan Africa. I am delighted that Irish Aid is in a position to support these events, promoting awareness of the overseas development programme and of the countries with which we work."