Leaders from Africa and Europe meeting in the Angolan capital, Luanda, last Monday committed to strengthening trade and better tackling of illegal migration.
Marking 25 years of AU-EU relations, the two days of talks saw the European Union pledge to support African nations to develop, industrialise and diversify their exports.
They welcomed the progress made in implementing the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, which mobilises public and private funds for infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity.
The €150 billion programme is intended to strengthen growth and accelerate climate and digital transitions. A declaration at the end of the summit produced a wide-ranging declaration that nodded to Europe's desire to secure critical minerals and Africa's desire for economic growth.
European Council President, António Costa, said it was important to diminish inequalities and promote development.
“It is essential that we invest in education, in supporting entrepreneurship, in mobilising the creativity of African youth and guaranteeing that the chains of value produce wealth in the place where they are generated,” he said.
Europe was promised help in tackling irregular migration and improving the return of failed asylum seekers to their country of origin — a common gripe in much of the 27-nation EU.
The summit aimed to deepen both economic and security ties between the two continents, with delegates emphasising the need to achieve peace through multilateralism.
