V4–Africa Relations: Main Takeaways from the Discussion in the IIR

The event centred on Darlington Tshuma’s policy paper The Making of a Visegrad–Africa Strategy: From Fragmented to Strategic Engagement?, which examines how current political and global developments could create new momentum for a more coherent, strategic and mutually beneficial partnership between the Visegrad countries and Africa. The presentation and discussion were moderated by Asya Metodieva, with contributions also from Ondřej Horký-Hlucháň and Vilém Řehák. 

The discussion addressed both the opportunities and the limitations of closer V4 engagement with African countries. Tshuma highlighted differences in how individual V4 countries approach Africa, noting that Czechia currently appears to be among the most optimistic about developing these relations. The debate also examined whether there is a sufficiently strong foundation for a common V4 approach to Africa, what interests could drive future cooperation, and how the relationship could move beyond traditional development assistance towards trade, investment, technology, skills transfer and cooperation at the multilateral level. Vilém Řehák and Ondřej Horký-Hlucháň contributed different perspectives on the prospects for Czech and V4 engagement with Africa, from the limited foundations and resources for a common V4 approach to the opportunities created by Czechia’s comparatively strong experience and diplomatic presence in the region. The discussion also highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of European interests in Africa and for a broader shift in societal perceptions of the continent. 

The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A, with audience members raising questions about the V4’s role in Africa, African countries’ own interests, and the future direction of V4–Africa cooperation. We would like to thank everyone who joined us for the event and took part in the discussion.