Presentation
Learn more about the Iberoafrican Canarias Forum.
Africa features sustained growth, abundant natural resources, favourable demographics and the emergence of an expanding middle class. This diverse and dynamic continent has become an increasingly attractive business destination, playing a crucial role in the global economy.
Africa has a young and growing workforce, giving it a significant demographic advantage. With an estimated population of over 1.3 billion and a projected population growth rate, the continent presents itself as a large potential market for goods and services. This young workforce also drives innovation and entrepreneurship, generating new ideas and business opportunities.
5 November 2026 · Madrid
Regional and international cooperation has strengthened economic relations between Africa and the rest of the world. Numerous agreements, as well as collaborative initiatives, facilitate investment, exchange of goods, services and knowledge. At the same time, regional economic integration, promoted through the African Free Trade Agreement, is fostering economic diversification, competitiveness and the creation of both regional and global value chains.
Spain and Portugal, due to their close historical and cultural ties with African countries, have established themselves as strategic partners on the continent. Both countries, taking advantage of their geographical proximity and cultural affinities, play a key role in promoting economic and business cooperation between the two continents.
In the framework of socio-economic relations between Europe, Spain, Portugal and Africa, this forum aims to explore new avenues of collaboration and strengthen business ties between the regions, with a focus on key sectors such as business innovation, renewable energy, investment, gender equality, infrastructure and tourism.
The ‘I Ibero-African Canarias Forum (IBAFCAN)’, organised by the CEOE, the Confederación Canaria de Empresarios (CCE) and CEOE Tenerife, with the support of the General Technical Secretariat of the Spain-Africa Business Council and in collaboration with the CIP of Portugal and Casa África, has as its main objective to highlight the importance of Africa as a strategic partner for Spain, Portugal and Europe, highlighting the role of the Canary Islands as a bridge connecting the two continents.
The Forum will provide a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between leading experts, business leaders and government representatives from Europe, Spain, Portugal and the African continent. In addition, business networking will be promoted, providing participants with the opportunity to establish contacts, explore new alliances and generate synergies that will boost economic growth and mutual cooperation.
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MONTHLY BULLETIN
A new IBAFCAN bulletin is now available!
Visit our publications section for the latest edition and the full archive of bulletins, featuring the main news and analysis on current political, economic and business affairs between Spain and Africa.