Live from Cape Town, South Africa, we welcome Prof. João Bosco Monte, Founder & President of the Brazilian-African Institute. A distinguished academic with a PhD in Education and vast experience in international relations, he has traveled to 44 African countries, working to strengthen cooperation between governments, the private sector, and academia.

Bridging Continents: Key Initiatives

Prof. Monte highlights the institute’s capacity-building programs, research studies, and strategic events. A major initiative is an exhibition on Nelson Mandela’s legacy, launched in partnership with the Mandela Foundation. The exhibition, currently in Brazil, will be showcased at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Unlocking the Potential of the Global South

Many resource-rich nations struggle to effectively utilize their wealth, missing key opportunities for development. The problem lies in inefficient resource management, requiring strategic public-private partnerships. Prof. Monte recalls a discussion with Guinea’s president, who stressed the need for external expertise to transform natural resources into sustainable progress. Collaboration, not isolation, is the key to success.

He shares a real-world example from Ghana, where he advised a company to shift from exporting raw cashew nuts to processing them locally, creating 500 jobs and strengthening the local economy. This highlights the win-win potential of localized investment.

Technology, Policy & the Role of the Private Sector

Some Global South nations advance faster than others due to investment in R&D, policy alignment, and skill-building. Prof. Monte emphasizes the need for technology transfer and youth training, citing the Youth Technical Training Program (YTTP), which brings African youth to Brazil for specialized training in high-demand industries. These initiatives empower local communities and drive sustainable development.

However, policies alone are not enough—governments must actively implement them and work alongside the private sector, which is the true driver of progress. Without industry engagement, technological advancements remain theoretical. Universities must also play a proactive role, ensuring research has real-world impact rather than being confined to academia.

Triangular Cooperation: A Sustainable Model

Prof. Monte introduces “Triangular Cooperation”, where partnerships go beyond just two nations and include governments, businesses, and international organizations. This model ensures continuity and resilience, reducing dependency on political stability. Stable business partnerships help maintain progress, even amid political shifts.

Global Collaboration & UAE’s Role

Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, he emphasizes that countries like the UAE and Brazil must extend their resources beyond their borders. He likens this to a boomerang effect—investments abroad ultimately bring benefits back to the home country.

He commends the TRENDS Research & Advisory Center for its vision and dedication, stating that sharing Brazilian and Latin American expertise with the UAE can enhance cooperation and create meaningful impact. He sees TRENDS as a key player in this global knowledge exchange.

Empowering Youth for a Connected Future

Investing in youth is essential, as they are the future of technological innovation and global progress. The ability to access and analyze information is key in today’s digital world. Prof. Monte encourages young minds to look deeper, think critically, and refine their focus when researching.

He shares an inspiring success story of a young woman from Malawi who trained in Brazil and returned home to create 30 jobs. This exemplifies how education and skill-building transform communities.

Mandela’s Wisdom: A Call to Action

Prof. Monte concludes with two powerful Nelson Mandela quotes:

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” – Success is an ongoing journey, and there is always more to achieve.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – No challenge is truly impossible; perseverance leads to transformation.

This philosophy has guided his work with the Brazilian-African Institute, proving that small initiatives lead to significant change.

Final Words: A Shared Global Mission

Prof. Monte stresses that global progress requires collective effort. Governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to drive sustainable change. He acknowledges the strategic role of TRENDS Research & Advisory, expressing confidence that the work being done today will have long-term, meaningful impact.

Stay tuned for more insights on South-South cooperation and global progress!