Roundtable discussions at the ministerial
Ministers from the European Union (EU) and Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable development and economic integration between the two continents.
The meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Brussels, highlighted the progress achieved in implementing the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, which focuses on 11 areas of mutual interest, including climate and energy, economic integration, and digital transformation.
The ministers welcomed the positive results and transformational impact of EU Global Gateway flagships and Team Europe Initiatives across various areas, including, hard and soft infrastructure development, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, environment and sustainable agriculture, transport and corridors.
Also, critical raw materials and secure connectivity, digital transformation and health security, value addition, job creation, and skills development, education and sustainable financing, innovation and youth empowerment and strengthening economic ties.
The ministers emphasised the importance of scaling up cooperation on the blue economy, food security, and nutrition, as well as supporting the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They pledged to use all avenues possible to strengthen and diversify their economic and trade relations, boost resilient and sustainable value chains, and stimulate regional integration.
The ministers believe that the AfCFTA represents an important opportunity to increase and diversify trade and investment across the African continent, particularly in strategic sectors. By fostering greater economic exchange between the two continents, they aim to achieve sustainable growth, create decent jobs, and promote fair, competitive, and resilient economies.
The ministers noted international initiatives on investment facilitation and welcomed the adoption of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, encouraging researchers and innovators to drive scientific discoveries and innovative solutions.
The initiatives, includes, universal access to sustainable, affordable, and modern energy (SDG 7 and AU Agenda 2063), African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP), African Energy Efficiency Strategy (AfEES), Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) and Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).
The ministers also commended the strategic cooperation on these initiatives, which aim to enable regional power trade, attract renewable energy investments, and foster inclusive green industrialisation and economic growth. They committed to advancing Africa’s renewable and low-carbon hydrogen potential, supporting a sustainable and prosperous future for both continents.
The European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) ministerial also discussed topics of peace, security and governance, multilateralism, prosperity, people, migration and mobility. The meeting was co-chaired by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Tete António, Chairperson of the AU Executive Council.