Kagame has a very good reputation both in Rwanda and abroad. Under his leadership, the country has been changing into a modern prosperous African Switzerland. In the Rwandan capital Kigali, 40 African states signed a free trade area agreement. Babiš also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who, according to the Czech PM, understands the Visegrad view on migration.
Babiš was accompanied by representatives of Czech companies who want to engage in Africa and this forum was an ideal place. One of them was Pavel Juruš from Big Terra Company who is trying to improve the efficiency of agriculture. “It is a great opportunity for us to meet with representatives of companies, not only African but also Europeans active in Africa,” he said. “For us, the transformation of agriculture which is rapidly digitizing and automating is key to us. We want to be one of those who will be involved in transforming agriculture towards efficiency, sustainability and environmental friendliness – not only in Africa,” Juruš added.
One of the most important topics during the forum was migration. European politicians want to invest mainly in innovation and education to make it better for Africans to stay in Africa. Cooperation between Europe and Africa should result in a common intercontinental trade zone. The current Cotonou agreement will expire in 2020 and it is not clear how the new treaty will be negotiated.
Left-wing activists tried to disrupt the Vienna forum. They marched and chanted against alleged European imperialism. About 100 people arrived at the march.
