Luanda: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the critical interdependence between Africa and Europe, asserting that both continents "need each other more than ever." Her remarks were delivered during the opening speech at the 7th European Union-African Union Summit held in Luanda, the capital of Angola.
According to Kuwait News Agency, von der Leyen highlighted the European Union's position as Africa's largest trading partner, accounting for one-third of its trade. She noted that African exports to Europe significantly surpass those to China, by more than double. Despite decades of mostly tariff-free trade between the two regions, she stated there is considerable potential to further enhance this cooperation.
Von der Leyen announced that the summit would reveal additional support for the African Continental Free Trade Area, underscoring the EU's commitment to the power of trade even amidst global tensions. She argued that trade delivers tangible benefits to people and economies.
Criticizing foreign investment models that exploit Africa's resources without leaving long-term benefits, von der Leyen praised the European model for investing in local value chains. She cited examples such as processing raw materials in Namibia and Zambia, bolstering pharmaceutical industries in Senegal and Rwanda, and expanding telecom networks across North and East Africa. She emphasized these partnerships as mutually beneficial, creating jobs and skills for African youth while opening new markets for Europe.
On clean energy, von der Leyen called for urgent investment, noting Africa's possession of 60 percent of the world's optimal solar potential yet receiving only a small fraction of global clean-energy investment. She highlighted the "Scaling Up Renewables in Africa" initiative, launched with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which garnered 15.5 billion euros in pledges during the recent G20 summit.
Von der Leyen concluded by recalling the 25-year-old Africa-Europe partnership, founded on a "shared destiny," and urged both continents to "move forward together and build new pathways for cooperation." The summit, themed "Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism," is co-chaired by Angolan President Joao Loureno and European Council President Antonio Costa, with participation from EC President Ursula von der Leyen and African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The European Union continues to be Africa's largest trading partner and main source of foreign direct investment, despite growing influence from China, the United States, and Russia as several African countries increasingly distance themselves from former colonial powers, particularly France.