Towns and cities all around Ireland turned Africa Day into a lively week of events in May 2012, with free festivals, film screenings, concerts and children’s events designed to celebrate the diversity and potential of the African continent.

Dublin’s two-day flagship festival drew an estimated 10,000 people, while the cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and the town of Tralee in the South West also joined the celebrations.

At the launch event, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Eamon Gilmore, said: “Africa is a changing continent, with high economic growth rates and rapid development in terms of education and industry. Real challenges exist, but the African story right now is one of great energy and dynamism.”

Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello TD, commented: “Africa Day showcases the range of relationships that exist between Ireland and Africa and the importance of our strong and effective partnerships. I’m particularly delighted that so many of our African diaspora groups have become involved... There is a strong dynamic and warmth to the Irish-African relationship that will only be enriched by the growing cultural, business, developmental and people-to-people links.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague added: “I have volunteered with the Irish charity CAMARA in Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. I’ve seen that life in Africa is changing for the better for many people and we have a lot to celebrate in this year’s Africa Day.”