The second Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF), which took place from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, marked a significant milestone in the business relations between Indonesia and African countries. This forum, with its strategic focus on expanding economic cooperation, has opened new avenues for Indonesian businesses to forge strong partnerships with their African counterparts. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) announced that the forum had successfully secured business deals amounting to a staggering USD 3.5 billion.
Themed “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” the forum attracted representatives from 54 African nations, highlighting the immense potential for collaboration between the two regions. The event aimed to capitalize on this potential by facilitating discussions and agreements that could reshape the economic landscape of both Indonesia and Africa.
A key feature of the forum was the business exhibition held on September 2-3, 2024, which brought together a diverse group of participants. Over 100 companies and nearly 140 business leaders from Africa, along with around 350 Indonesian entrepreneurs, were present.
The exhibition focused on four critical sectors: energy, food and consumer goods, strategic and defense industries, and health, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for cross-border collaboration.
During the opening session of the Joint Leaders’ Session at the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholders Partnership (HLF MSP) and the second Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) 2024, President Jokowi highlighted the significance of the agreements reached. He emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to partner with Africa, viewing it as a crucial player in the global development agenda.
“Indonesia is ready to collaborate with anyone, especially with Africa, as a key partner in global development. The results of the Indonesia-Africa partnership have been tangible, with a sharp increase in trade volumes and numerous trade agreements. This year’s Indonesia Africa Forum has recorded business deals worth USD 3.5 billion, almost six times more than what was achieved at the first IAF in 2018,” Jokowi stated.
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The President expressed his hopes that this IAF 2024 forum would serve as a catalyst for positive change in a world currently fraught with uncertainty. He pointed out that the global community is facing multiple challenges, including economic slowdowns, rising unemployment, persistent inflation, and ongoing geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global supply chains. In this context, Jokowi underscored the need for enhanced solidarity, which he noted was regrettably diminishing.
“It is disheartening that in these challenging times, international solidarity is waning, multilateralism is being increasingly sidelined, and fragmentation is widening. As a result, developing countries are bearing the brunt of these global issues. Millions of people in these nations are struggling the most,” Jokowi explained.
With just six years remaining until the 2030 target, and only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achieved, Jokowi called for a new direction and vision. “We need fresh strategies and tactical steps to achieve more just and inclusive development for all developing countries,” he asserted.
To address these challenges, President Jokowi outlined four key priorities:
- SDGs as the Global Development Focus: Jokowi emphasized that achieving the SDGs must remain the primary focus of global development. This should be aligned with national and regional priorities, including Africa’s Agenda 2063, and supported by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Indonesia’s Commitment to the Global South: He reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to being part of the global solution by defending the interests of the Global South and acting as a bridge builder in advocating for equality, justice, and solidarity. This has been Indonesia’s consistent stance since the Asia-Africa Conference 69 years ago.
- Partnership with Africa: Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to partner with Africa, recognizing the continent as a key player in the global development agenda.
- Reviving Global Solidarity: Finally, he called for the revival of global solidarity to enhance South-South and North-South Cooperation, enabling countries to work together to address global challenges.
In closing, President Jokowi looked ahead to next year, announcing that Indonesia would host the Platinum Jubilee of the Asian African Conference, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic summit.
“With the same spirit, Indonesia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Summit, reaffirming our commitment to global cooperation and solidarity,” he concluded.
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