Ireland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, has confirmed the progress of the country's Africa Strategy, with technology and telecommunications – especially software, representing an important component of the plan.

In May the Minister led a high-level delegation from Ireland on the latest in a series of trade missions to South Africa and Nigeria, facilitated by Enterprise Ireland.

The delegation included the CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon, and executives from 34 top Irish enterprises, including ICT.

Delegates visited Johannesburg and Cape Town during the three-day visit and this will be followed by a visit to Nigeria later this year.

In a statement Minister Flanagan noted that the trade mission is in line with Ireland's Africa Strategy, which was unveiled at the first Africa Ireland Economic Forum in September 2011.

"The Africa Strategy emphasises that Ireland is well positioned to play a greater role in Africa," Minister Flanagan told the media in Johannesburg recently.

The long term strategy is said to encompass bilateral trade growth, significant development initiatives and increased collaboration.

An overview of Ireland's software sector, presented by Enterprise Ireland, claims €1.32 billion of major venture capital funds is expected to be generated between 2013 to 2018, with current exports reaching 640 companies worldwide.

Enterprise Ireland says the Irish software industry is the second largest exporter of software globally, with financial services being the largest vertical.

Spearheading Ireland's trade development initiatives, Enterprise Ireland established an office in Johannesburg in 2013, followed by an office in Lagos, and is now also looking to expand its presence into Nairobi.

In a statement Enterprise Ireland commented, "Africa, and specifically key growth hubs such as South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, are strategically important markets for Ireland. Ireland has emerged as a world leader in several high tech industry sectors, which positions Irish business to deliver to African markets the advanced services and products Africa needs to accelerate its growth into a knowledge economy."

"Ireland is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the fastest growing in Europe. We are one of the most open economies in the world today. With exports to 150 countries totalling R2.6 trillion (190 Billion Euros), Ireland is the world's biggest exporter of pharmaceuticals and second largest exporter of software. Ireland is also a recognised innovation leader in sectors such as food, manufacturing, engineering, cleantech, construction, life sciences, health care, education and e-learning, financial services, telecommunications and print paper and packaging. Ireland's exports to South Africa alone now exceed R15 billion, with an annual growth of around 20%."

In an example of the level of trade and system export between Africa and Ireland, Irish company AuBren, via its partner Voltas Technologies, introduced DAQS Precision Hospital Air Handling Systems to be used across operating theatre and isolation room installations throughout the continent.

Aubrey E. Nuzum, managing director at AuBren, said, "AuBren DAQS is very excited about the growth prospects that African markets can provide through the successful implementation of our innovative Medical solutions. This will be followed by the launch of our Telecom and IT precision cooling solutions, which we also expect to be well received in the region.''

Fred Klinkenberg, Enterprise Ireland's country manager for South Africa, says this top-level visit is an indication of the strategic importance of the African market for Irish business. "Africa is open for business, presenting a wealth of opportunity for Irish business. Trade missions such as this seek to increase awareness and facilitate win-win partnerships for African and Irish businesses."

Through Enterprise Ireland, over 200 Irish businesses are already active in South Africa, employing over 13,000 people.