High-level platform: The First Celac–Africa High-Level Forum seeks to bolster relations between Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Photo: Supplied
In March 2026, during the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) Closing Summit, Bogotá will host the First Celac–Africa High-Level Forum. This event, running from March 18 to 21, aims to forge stronger ties between Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The forum intends to gather heads of state and government from Celac member nations along with representatives from 20 African Union countries. Ministers, financial and business leaders, and representatives from Economic Communities such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will also be in attendance. This diverse participation is designed to enable meaningful dialogue across regions.
Under the guidance of Vice-President Francia Márquez, who spearheads the Africa Strategy implementation, this initiative aims to foster structured dialogues on shared priorities. Key areas encompass South-South Cooperation for Development, Historical Reparation, Ethnic-Racial Justice, and Trade and Investment. Each topic, grouped into three central pillars, invites collaborative exploration among member states.
The high-level plenary meetings, alongside ministerial discussions, will provide a platform for heads of state to address these pivotal issues. The forum will also work towards establishing mechanisms for continued interregional dialogue and partnership. This ongoing engagement aims to enhance institutional links between Celac and African states, ensuring that discussions do not conclude with the forum.
The Southern African perspective will play a prominent role at this gathering, particularly with the expected presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. His participation underscores South Africa’s leadership within the SADC and highlights the country’s significant contributions to interregional cooperation.
Colombia and South Africa share aligned views on critical issues affecting the Global South, a bond that has recently manifested in their joint efforts within the Hague Group. This collaborative initiative focuses on legal and diplomatic measures supporting international law and the plight of Palestinian people, showcasing both nations’ commitment to global solidarity.
In her December 2025 speech at the Ninth Pan-African Congress in Togo, Vice-President Márquez articulated the urgency of enhancing cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. She emphasized the need to confront the lingering effects of colonialism and slavery, advocating for the reconnection of families separated by these historical injustices. Her sentiments embody the spirit of Pan-Africanism, which underlies the Celac–Africa High-Level Forum and the broader goals of interregional engagement.
Colombia remains dedicated to advancing dialogue that is constructive, inclusive, and forward-looking, aspiring to address both historical grievances and contemporary challenges faced by the Global South. The commitment to fostering unity among these regions reflects a vision of cooperation that transcends borders and cultures.
Maria del Rosario Mina Rojas is the ambassador of Colombia.
