Africa Day at GMU: A Forum for Discussion on Challenges and Cooperation Between Poland and African Countries

Africa Day was officially opened by the Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit. In his address, the Rector emphasised the importance of developing scientific, educational and economic cooperation between Poland and African countries, highlighting projects undertaken by the University and its partners in Angola and Algeria. The Rector also noted that GMU sees significant potential for further expanding cooperation with African countries, particularly regarding the education of students at the University.

Attendees were also welcomed on behalf of the University by the Deputy Rector for Internationalisation, Cooperation and Development, Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk.  

One of the main highlights of the programme was a debate entitled ‘The Role of Africa in Global Supply Chains and International Transport’, moderated by HE Krzysztof Buzalski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Tanzania from 2017 to 2024. The panel featured HE Manuel Pedro Chaves, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola; HE Diamame Diome, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal; and HE Salem Ait Chabane, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

The debate addressed a range of contemporary challenges facing African countries, including transport infrastructure development, food security, education, the energy transition, and access to modern technologies.  Participants also highlighted Africa’s vast economic and natural resource potential, emphasising the continent’s importance for global trade, the energy sector and international supply chains.

The discussions also showcased examples of successful cooperation between Poland and African countries in such areas as the maritime sector, higher education, trade, and educational projects. A key focus of the debate was the need to increase the mobility of students and academic staff, with participants stressing the need to expand academic exchange programmes, develop joint research initiatives, and strengthen ties between technical and maritime universities in Europe and Africa. 

‘Africa Day’ also provided an opportunity for direct discussions among representatives of the academic and diplomatic communities, as well as students interested in studying in African countries. During the event, guests also toured the GMU campus, including the laboratories and simulators used in the day-to-day education and training of students.