Africa Day

The Afrikadag is the biggest event in The Netherlands on Africa and international cooperation, organised annually by FEPS and FMS. This year’s edition will take place on 13 April in the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. With ‘Migration: African Perspectives’ as the main theme, visitors will directly speak to professionals, politicians and each other in more than 30 workshops, political debates and lectures.

What are the political alternatives to the current European and Dutch commitment to closing borders? And where is the voice of the young African who travels to Europe while endangering his or her own life? In the main debate ‘Addressing root causes of irregular migration; dead-end or egg of Columbus?’ Akinyi Walender (country director Ethiopia, Cordaid), Judith Sargentini (GroenLinks MEP), Bob van Dillen (migration advisor, Cordaid) and Anne van der Meer (researcher at the FMS) will speak about these questions with each other, and the public.

But of course, there are more migration-related themes that will be discussed during the Afrikadag. For example FEPS workshop on the role of diaspora in the development of the countries of origin; the guest lecture by Jan Pronk about development cooperation in the year 2019 and how migration is very much involved in this; a workshop by D66 on climate migration in North Africa; and Foundation Lemat discusses the obstacles and opportunities for migrants in The Netherlands.

And as every year, the Afrikadag also involves African culture! This year we have two cultural programmes: one Arabic literature programme by El Hizjra, and an African film programme by the Yangambi Foundation. Do you prefer to visit to Afrikadag to broaden your network or to visit different stands and stores? Come to our inspiration market on the ‘Rotonde’, with more than 20 stands from various organisations and entrepreneurs.

We end the day with the legendary after party ‘AFREAK’ at Desmet Studio’s. Enjoy a delicious African meal and dance to music by live artists and DJs.

Check the programme