Sub-Saharan Africa

Ireland’s bilateral relationships with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa are co-ordinated by the Africa Section within the Department’s Political Division. The Division is also responsible for broad foreign policy engagement with the region, including human rights aspects.

The Division works closely with other relevant Divisions, especially with Development Co-operation Division, and with the Embassies in Nigeria, Egypt (in relation to Sudan), South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, and with the Development Office in Sierra Leone.

Political Division monitors political developments in the Sub-Saharan African region and in its regional organisations, and formulates Ireland’s approach to such developments.

At EU level, the Division, working with Ireland’s Permanent Representation, Brussels, is responsible for the Irish input into EU policy on Sub-Saharan Africa and its regional organisations.  The Division also works closely with Ireland’s Permanent Missions to the UN in Geneva and New York on African issues.

Through its Overseas Development Assistance programme, Ireland has a strong relationship with seven African countries in particular.