Fuerteventura Launches Africagua 2025

The Training and Congress Palace hosts the ninth edition of Africagua Canarias to boost international cooperation on water, energy and sustainability

The Training and Congress Palace in Fuerteventura hosted today the opening ceremony of Africagua Canarias 2025, an established international forum that serves as a strategic meeting point for promoting sustainable solutions in water, renewable energy and Africa‑Europe cooperation from the Canary Islands.

The inauguration featured the participation of:

• Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura
• Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Fuerteventura
• David de Vera, Mayor of Puerto del Rosario
• Lamin Camara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy of Gambia
• Ibrahim Al Khalil Seck, Ambassador of Senegal to Spain
• Manuel Miranda Medina, Counselor for Territorial Policy, Cohesion and Waters of the Government of the Canary Islands

“I especially welcome those who have travelled from other parts of the world to be here in Fuerteventura. Your presence reflects the spirit of this forum: connecting territories, sharing experiences and moving forward together,” said Lola García.

“Living in Fuerteventura we know that water is not just a resource; it is a daily challenge and an absolute priority. Africagua reminds us that this challenge is not unique. This forum is relevant because it lets us exchange experiences between regions, forge alliances and generate solutions that can be applied here and elsewhere in the world,” she added.

Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal welcomed all delegations and participants, emphasizing the importance of gathering African, Canarian and European representatives in Fuerteventura to create a space for cooperation and joint work.

“Africagua is the best demonstration that cooperation works and that we can advance together on issues such as water and clean energy,” he said.

He also announced the Global Startup Competition, the first contest aimed at startups developing innovative solutions for water and renewable energy. In its inaugural edition, 56 companies from Spain, Morocco, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya took part.

Manuel Miranda highlighted the shared need for proper water management across the continent:

“Africagua provides a platform to boost technology and public‑private cooperation on this issue, on an island that has turned scarcity into opportunity and must progressively integrate renewable energy into water desalination.”

Mayor David de Vera welcomed the authorities to a municipality that boasts state‑interest infrastructure, such as a strategic port, positioning it as a reference point for connections with West Africa and for fostering more sustainable economic projects in the Canary Islands.

Lamin Camara praised the event’s organization, noting its significance for the Republic of Gambia and expressing hope for alliances that will support the advancement of Gambian projects in the coming years.

Ibrahim Al Khalil Seck thanked the institutional representatives for their warm reception, calling the forum “a great opportunity for Senegal and our private companies to exchange experiences and projects related to water and energy management.”

International participation and work agenda

• Delegations from Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia and Cape Verde are present, alongside Spanish and Canarian companies.
• B2B meetings gathered 93 participants and scheduled 83 meetings, making them one of the forum’s most practical elements for generating new collaboration and business opportunities.
• The first day features high‑level panels on:
  • Integrated water management
  • Energy policies and the energy transition
  • Infrastructure
  • Innovation
  • Business and technological cooperation

Africagua Canarias 2025 is organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Fuerteventura, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Government of the Canary Islands, with the collaboration of ICEX, ITC, PROEXCA, Casa África, EEN Canarias, ULPGC and Cajasiete.