JAKARTA, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 has significantly increased Indonesia’s commitments to African nations, with total pledges rising to US$3.5 billion (US$1=RM4.31).
This marks a notable jump from the US$568 million pledged at the inaugural forum in 2018, according to a statement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Director General for Asia, the Pacific, and Africa at the ministry, Abdul Kadir Jailani, stated: “The surge in commitments underscores the deepening trust and expanding partnership between Indonesia and African countries.”
Key outcomes include several high-profile agreements such as a geothermal energy development project between Indonesia’s PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara and Tanzania Electric Supply Co Ltd (Tanesco).
Other deals involve a master agreement for health technology transfer between Bio Farma and Atlantic Lifescience Ghana, and a Letter of Intent with PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Belgium’s AD Trade to support aircraft purchases and maintenance for Congo and Senegal.
The 2nd IAF, which ran from September 1-3, was held in conjunction with the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships.
Beyond economic cooperation, the event also sought to reinvigorate the ‘Bandung Spirit’, a key element from the 1955 Asian-African Conference that remains central to Indonesia-Africa relations.
-- BERNAMA