The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the African Embassies in Bangkok (Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa), Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen University and Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation organised the Colours of Africa 2023 events on 13 - 14 September and 21 September 2023. The events aimed at promoting a better understanding of the African continent and creating public awareness among the Thai public, private sectors, and academia of the potential of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa. The activities included:

          1. The Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa on 13 September 2023 at the Avani Hotel Khon Kaen, which provided first-hand information on trade and investment opportunities in Africa and shared experience of doing business in Africa.The speakers included African Ambassadors to Thailand and Thai businesspeople who have successfully entered the African market.The seminar was well attended by local businesspeople from Khon Kaen and neighbouring provinces.

          2. The Academic Lecture on Africa on 14 September 2023 at Khon Kaen University, the African Ambassadors to Thailand gave a special lecture to more than 300 students and lecturers of Khon Kaen University on the topics of “The African Union Agenda 2063” and “Nelson Mandela: The Epitome of Ethical Leadership in Africa and the World: Learning from his Legacy for a better Africa and a Humane World Order”. The African Ambassadors also visited the Faculty of Agriculture which have had cooperation projects with many African universities.

          3. The Student Quiz Competition, Games and Exhibitions to enhance knowledge on Africa on 21 September 2023, at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 200 students and teachers from 23 schools all over Thailand affiliated with the Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation participated. At the final round of the quiz competition, Her Excellency Miss Busadee Santipitaks, Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs and the African Ambassadors to Thailand were invited to ask questions and then presented scholarships to the winning teams as well as souvenirs and certificates to all participating students.

--------------------------