Strait of Gibraltar Cooperation and Dialogue Council
Purpose: The Gateway Between Two Continents
The Strait of Gibraltar Cooperation and Dialogue Council brings together members from business, government and civil society who work on trade between Africa and Europe. The strait lies between the two continents and links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. North and West African goods pass here on the way to Europe and the Americas. We gather evidence, advise and support dialogue. We hold no authority over the strait.
Our Vision
A Fair Gateway for African Goods
A strait that serves African producers well: safe, efficient, and open to processed African goods on fair terms in European markets.
Our Mission
Safer, Cheaper, Fairer Trade
- Back Short-Sea Shipping: Support reliable links between African and European ports that cut cost and delay.
- Raise Port Competitiveness: Encourage faster clearance and better services at African ports on both coasts.
- Ask for Fair Market Access: Urge Europe to end tariff escalation and unfair standards that punish processed goods.
- Strengthen Safety: Support search and rescue coordination and shared safety practice among coastal states.
Expert Committee: Voices for African Trade
The Strait of Gibraltar Committee will include:
- Port and Shipping Professionals from African and European ports.
- Exporters and Manufacturers who move processed goods to Europe.
- Customs and Standards Experts focused on mutual recognition of standards.
- Safety and Rescue Specialists in maritime coordination.
- Trade Policy Advisors experienced in market access.
Engagement with Authorities: Partnering for Progress
Coastal States:
- Seek respectful dialogue with the coastal states on safe passage, port links and rescue coordination. We take no side between states.
European and African Partners:
- Engage the European Union and its member states on fair access for processed African goods, technology sharing and long-term finance for ports.
Maritime and Legal Institutions:
- Support engagement with the International Maritime Organization on safety.
- Where a dispute needs a ruling, point parties to the recognised bodies under international law, such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Council Convener: Linking Two Shores
The Council Convener will:
- Chair the Council and set its agenda. Appointments will be announced.
- Represent African traders and ports in constructive talks with partners.
- Promote African processing, shipping and port jobs.
Why this Council Matters
- For Exporters: Lower cost and delay on the shortest route to Europe.
- For Workers: More port, logistics and processing jobs in Africa.
- For Fair Trade: A clear African case that value added at home deserves fair treatment abroad.
Open the Gateway to Africa
Join the Strait of Gibraltar Council and speak for African trade with Europe. Nominations are invited. Make in Africa is not affiliated with, a member of or endorsed by any international maritime body.
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Global Trade Council Partnerships
- Australia China Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Seafood Industry Council (AISIC)
- Australia India Free Trade and Seafood Industry Advisory Group (AIFTSIAG)
- Australia Qatar Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Saudi Arabia Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Turkiye Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia UAE Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia USA Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Singapore Chamber of Trade, Commerce, and Industry
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About
The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.
MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.