Irish Aid and the private sector
Economic growth is central to poverty reduction. International trade and the private sector play vital roles in building economies.
Ireland is an example of a country that has benefitted enormously from international trade. Investment and trade helped Ireland to develop both economically and socially.
Trade links between Ireland and the African continent are growing all the time. Two-way trade in goods reached a record €2.8 billion in 2022.
We work in partnership with the private sector around the world to help increase trade and reduce poverty.
€2.8 billion
two-way trade between Ireland and Africa in 2022
3.1%
projected average economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa for 2023
3%
Africa’s share of global exports
Supporting developing countries
Economic growth and poverty reduction go hand-in-hand. Many developing countries are achieving impressive levels of economic growth. They are generating more of their own resources and becoming less dependent on aid.
But, countries are still confronted by major obstacles to expanding and diversifying their trade. Africa’s share of global exports remains low at 3%.
Ireland supports initiatives to strengthen the ability of developing countries to benefit from international trade.
We have an increased focus on private sector development. The private sector plays a key role in economic and social development. Partners from the private sector bring fresh know-how and innovative ideas to resolve development challenges.
Encouraging investment and knowledge transfer
The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) encourages Irish agri-food businesses to partner with African companies.
These partnerships support sustainable growth of the local food industry in Africa. They also support trade between Ireland and Africa.
Find out more about the AADP.
Promoting links between Irish and African businesses
The Africa-Ireland Economic Forum brings together business leaders to discuss how to further strengthen economic ties. This Forum takes place every two years. The last Forum was held in Dublin in June 2022.
Supporting fair and ethical trade
Trade can often discriminate against the poorest producers. Fairtrade is about better prices, working conditions and terms for farmers and workers.
It requires companies to pay sustainable prices. This enables producers to improve their position and have more control.
Irish Aid helps producers in Central America and East Africa to increase income earned from the sale of their products. We help producers meet Fairtrade standards. We also strengthen producer co-operatives.
Since 2002, we have provided €20m to the Irish Fairtrade Network (IFTN). This supports their work with producers and development education work in Ireland.
Promoting a better investment climate in Africa
We help to create a better climate for investment in Africa through our support for the Investment Climate Facility (ICF). This is a unique public-private partnership forum based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Promoting private sector development
Our work has a strong focus on private sector development and strengthening trade links.
Collaborative initiatives such as Traidlinks in Uganda are an example of this. Our work in this area is guided by Ireland’s Africa Strategy.
Supporting international initiatives
Ireland helps ensure a focus on the needs and experience of developing countries in international trade policy. We do this at UN, EU and World Trade Organisation levels.
We support organisations that help developing countries to represent their needs in trade negotiations.