President von der Leyen participated this week in the 7th European Union – African Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, where she reiterated the EU's close partnership with Africa.
During the summit, the President emphasised the need for Africa and Europe to become closer than ever in view of the current geoeconomic and geopolitical context. In her opening speech to European and African leaders, she declared: "In a more confrontational global economy, Africa and Europe need each other more than ever before. (…) More importantly, we will look forward to new opportunities to work together as old friends. But also, as trading partners, investment partners, business partners. We want Africa and Europe to be partners of choice."
President von der Leyen emphasised the strength of the existing trade ties between the two continents and expressed the EU's determination to go further, including by supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area. "The message is clear. Even and especially in these times of global tensions, we believe in the power of trade. Because it delivers for our people and our economies", she said.
The President also highlighted the results of European investments, notably through Global Gateway. She mentioned the development of the Lobito Corridor, which will connect Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to global markets, and which at the same time is supporting workers and farmers in Angola.
As the President said, "[Global Gateway] is more than an infrastructure development programme. It invests in local jobs and local value chains, and this is what makes it unique in the global investment landscape." And she added: "These investments are truly in our mutual interest. They enable to move higher up the global value chains. They create new jobs for African youth, new skills for African researchers, and new business opportunities for African companies. And while doing so, we also create new markets for European companies and strengthen our European supply chains. A true win-win situation." So far, more than €120 billion has been invested in Africa under Global Gateway, putting the EU well on track to meet its target of €150 billion by 2027.
In the margins of the summit, the President also attended the European Union – Africa Union Business Forum, where she called for business cooperation between the EU and AU to be taken further.
She emphasised the need to invest in the global clean transition. Africa holds 60% of the world's solar potential and has 30% of the world's mineral reserves. But as underlined by President von der Leyen, investments are needed to build value locally, strengthen industrial capacity and boost local jobs.
She referred to the pledging conference of the 'Scaling up Renewables in Africa' campaign, which she co-chaired with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, just days before. The conference secured €15.5 billion as well as additional energy commitments for the African renewables sector.
Concluding her opening speech, she laid out: "Our prosperity is more connected than ever. We both need to build the industries of tomorrow. We both need to make the most of our talent and resources and get rid of dangerous dependencies. The case for Africa and Europe to join forces is overwhelming. Let us find new ways of doing so. Let us walk this path together."
