Tánaiste: Peace and security are pre-requisites for African states’ development

A recent visit to Kenya and Ethiopia brought home the enormous challenges facing the Horn of Africa, and it is something that the international community needs to engage with, writes Tánaiste Micheál Martin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited the Irish-designed biogas facility, Designer Group, in Kenya as part of his trip’s itinerary. Picture: Phil Behan/Department of Foreign Affairs

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Kenya and Ethiopia, two countries with a critical role to play in the future of Africa. My visit allowed me to reinforce the strong relations Ireland has with both countries, going back decades.

Kenya and Ethiopia have young, dynamic populations. They are both enjoying strong economic growth of over 5% per year. Kenya is already a middle-income country, and Ethiopia hopes to be one by 2030.