Brazil Africa Institute formalizes strategic agreement with the Port Authority of Las Palmas

The president of the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF), Professor João Bosco Monte, met with Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas in Spain, to formalize a General Protocol of Cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement aims to expand the institutional framework of collaboration and strengthen ties between Brazil, Africa, and Europe through the Canary Islands.

João Bosco Monte emphasized the significance of the agreement: “This document marks the beginning of a great opportunity to foster investments and bring Brazilian and Canarian businesses closer together through the Port Authority of  Las Palmas. Brazil and Africa are already connected, but this collaboration will make the process much more efficient. Both institutions will serve as a bridge to facilitate interactions between companies and governments.”

The meeting was the result of Beatriz Calzada’s visit to Brazil in September, during which she sought to explore new business opportunities. On that occasion, she presented the potential of the Port of Las Palmas as an intercontinental logistics hub and multiservice port. “The port offers its facilities to all companies that wish to use it as a platform to boost business across three continents, with a special focus on Africa, which will experience significant growth in the coming years. We are the logistics hub that Brazilian companies need to expand trade with the African continent,” said Beatriz Calzada.

Strengthening commercial links between Brazil, Africa, and the Canary Islands

During the meeting, Professor João Bosco Monte pointed out that 80% of Egypt’s meat consumption comes from Brazil via routes that currently bypass the Port of Las Palmas. “The goal is to showcase the strategic potential of this port and encourage its use for these trade routes,” he stated.

The signed protocol includes knowledge sharing and the exchange of expertise accumulated by both institutions, along with the promotion of training programs. The agreement also entails technical assistance for project development, and the organization of courses, seminars, and other capacity-building activities.

Visit to the Port of Las Palmas

Following the signing of the agreement, Beatriz Calzada and Professor João Bosco Monte toured the Port of Las Palmas and met with representatives of local port associations, who presented their operations and areas of expertise. The visit included key facilities such as the OPCSA container terminal, La Luz Market, Astican, the Domingo Alonso auto terminal, the Silos Canarios grain storage, the Santa Catalina cruise terminal, and the Free Trade Zone.

Through this protocol, the Brazil Africa Institute reinforces its mission to foster connections and create opportunities that promote sustainable development between Brazil and Africa.