VWF and GCATRED Sign Landmark MoU to Strengthen Vietnam–Africa Economic and Diplomatic Cooperation

Hanoi, Vietnam / Freetown, Sierra Leone — October 31, 2025 .

In a significant stride toward deepening international cooperation and fostering global prosperity, the Vietnam & World Foreign Affairs Agency (VWF) and the Global Chamber on African Trade, Rights and Economic Development (GCATRED) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a Strategic Partnership for Economic Diplomacy, Trade Facilitation, and Sustainable Development between Vietnam and the African continent.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Le Tuan Kiet (David) , President of VWF , and Ambassador Emmanuel Amara Vandi Fomba, *Founder and Global President of GCATRED , in a ceremony symbolizing a shared vision for South–South cooperation and mutual advancement in global trade, investment, and development.

A Strategic Bridge Between Vietnam and Africa

The newly signed MoU lays the foundation for a dynamic framework of cooperation designed to advance trade and investment, promote innovation and technology exchange, and strengthen institutional and cultural ties between the two regions. Both parties expressed a firm commitment to transforming existing goodwill into tangible economic linkages, partnerships, and opportunities that foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Le Tuan Kiet (David) emphasized the strategic importance of Africa in Vietnam’s global engagement efforts, noting that the partnership with GCATRED represents “a forward-looking alliance to harness the collective strengths of Vietnam and Africa for a future of shared prosperity, innovation, and resilience.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Emmanuel Amara Vandi Fomba highlighted that the MoU reflects GCATRED’s global mission to “position Africa at the heart of equitable trade, ethical development, and transformative international cooperation.” He added that this partnership will “serve as a catalyst for building sustainable business ecosystems and cultural bridges that unite two emerging economic frontiers.”

Key Areas of Cooperation

The MoU outlines several strategic pillars of collaboration, including:

Trade and Investment Promotion: Facilitating Vietnam–Africa business summits, B2B forums, and investment missions.

Innovation and Technology Exchange: Advancing research, digital transformation, and industrial sustainability.

Human Capital Development: Promoting leadership, education, and skills training programs, particularly for youth and women.

Green Transition and Climate Resilience: Supporting clean energy, agri-tech, and sustainable production initiatives.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Exchange: Strengthening cultural understanding and fostering solidarity through dialogue and cooperation.

A Joint Steering Committee (JSC) will be established to coordinate the implementation of agreed activities, with meetings held alternately in Vietnam and Africa. Both institutions will also designate focal points to ensure effective communication and program delivery.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Global Growth

Through this strategic partnership, VWF and GCATRED reaffirm their commitment to aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and *Africa’s Agenda 2063, while supporting Vietnam’s growing role in global economic diplomacy. The partnership seeks not only to boost trade but also to cultivate ethical, innovative, and environmentally responsible models of development.

This landmark MoU underscores the expanding scope of South–South cooperation and sets the stage for a new era of Vietnam–Africa engagement grounded in trust, inclusivity, and mutual benefit.