Africa-Asia Project “G102” launched to strengthen ties between two continents

By Prince Boris CYUBAHIRO.

A new initiative aimed at fostering stronger ties between Africa and Asia, known as G102, was officially launched on October 1, 2024. The project, which brings together 54 African countries and 48 Asian nations, seeks to promote collaboration in areas such as development, education, and conflict resolution.

The launch was covered by Prince Boris Cyubahiro and marks a significant step toward enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between the two continents.

Spearheaded by Dr. Abdoulaye Fallati, Nobel Peace Prize winner and president of the Pan-African Organization for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the G102 initiative draws inspiration from existing global alliances like the G7, G20, and BRICS. Dr. Fallati explained that the project’s goal is to unite Africa and Asia on equal terms, particularly in empowering youth, exchanging knowledge, and developing infrastructure.

“We are aiming to create a strong connection between Africa and Asia through this project,” said Dr. Fallati. “By focusing on shared challenges like post-war recovery, peacebuilding, and economic development, we want to ensure that future generations understand the importance of conflict resolution and the value of peace.”

The project will kick off with visits to various countries across Africa and Asia, starting in November 2024, to encourage cooperation in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and education. According to Dr. Fallati, the G102 initiative also focuses on fostering partnerships that will improve road construction, advance technological capabilities, and reform education systems across both continents.

Speaking at the event, Probe Hallelujah, a law student at ULK and peace ambassador in Rwanda, emphasized the need for greater unity between Africa and Asia. He pointed to the successful trade relations between Rwanda and Pakistan as an example of the benefits such collaboration can bring, noting that Rwanda imports medicine and rice from Pakistan, while exporting tea and coffee. Hallelujah urged other African nations to strengthen their ties with Asian countries to boost development.

One of the key issues highlighted during the launch was the existing communication gap between Africa and Asia, fueled by misunderstandings and stereotypes. “Many Africans wrongly associate Pakistan with terrorism, while some people in Pakistan still believe that genocide is ongoing in Rwanda,” Hallelujah said. He stressed the need to change these perceptions through positive narratives and open dialogue.

Dr. Fallati echoed this sentiment, noting that peace and understanding are crucial for economic and social prosperity. “We hope to share our experiences on security and learn from each other. Both continents have faced wars and conflicts, and now is the time to unite and build a peaceful future,” he said.

The G102 project is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and peacebuilding between Africa and Asia, setting the stage for both regions to grow and prosper together.

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