As the African Union and European Union mark the 25th anniversary of their unique partnership, the relationship between the two continents stands at a pivotal moment. In this exclusive interview with Capital, Javier Niño Pérez, EU Ambassador to the African Union, reflects on the evolution of AU-EU collaboration, its achievements, and the shared vision driving both Unions forward. With major summits on the horizon and new initiatives like the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package underway, Ambassador Niño Pérez discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead for sustainable development, peace, and multilateral cooperation—highlighting how this enduring partnership continues to shape the future for over 1.9 billion people across Africa and Europe. Excerpts;
Capital: The Joint Vision for 2030 aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. How do you ensure that these frameworks complement each other and deliver tangible results for the people of both continents?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Our Partnership drives sustainable and people-centred prosperity, implementing the Joint Vision for 2030. This Joint Vision was agreed by the African and European leaders at their last Summit in 2022 and it is indeed aligned with the Africa Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. It ensures a strategic alignment around four central pillars: Prosperity, Peace and Security, People, and Planet. These pillars are strong common aims of both Unions’ frameworks and a fundamental platform to get tangible results for European and African citizens. They also, surely, build on each other. Economic prosperity and good governance leads to Peace and Peace allows for improvements in human development and people’s opportunities and rights.
Both Unions have teams, in constant contact, that ensure the collaboration is implemented under the Joint Vision and it delivers tangible results. It is one of the main objectives of my own team at the EU Delegation to the African Union. The high-level meetings, as the precedent 6 summits and the upcoming EU-AU Ministerial and the AU-EU Summit, both to take place in 2025, serve to keep the alignment of the political dialogue at the uppermost level, involving both the institutions, its different organs and agencies, and EU and AU Member States.
Capital: What role does the AU-EU partnership play in shaping global multilateralism, especially as we approach the 7th AU-EU Summit later this year? With South Africa chairing the G20, how does the AU-EU collaboration leverage multilateral platforms like the G20 to advance shared goals on sustainability and global governance reform?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Under the Planet pillar of our Joint Vision 2030, we recognise we are, together, a global force for multilateralism and sustainability. As I stated during the recent Europe Day celebration in Addis Ababa, the EU position is that multilateralism is the only way to deal with global challenges, in full respect of the UN Charter. Its fundamental principles – sovereignty, equality of Member States, territorial integrity, political independence, and self-determination – are the foundation of international peace and security. Of our own protection.
The strong EU partnership with the AU and the UN are crucial examples of that. The EU has been a constant supporter of Africa’s legitimate place and voice at the global arena, namely to become a full member of the G20 as the main global forum for international economic cooperation. It is a milestone we genuinely celebrate. It reflects Africa’s essential role in global governance and aligns perfectly with the AU-EU partnership’s vision for a more balanced and inclusive international system. At this fora, EU, AU and respective member states share positions and coordinate efforts to steer political action towards natural aligned agendas: fighting climate change and poverty, debt sustainability, fairer global financial architecture, food security, human-centric AI and digital governance.
Now, with South Africa leading the G20, we continue this joint effort with determination, supporting a strong African voice at the table and working together on shared priorities like sustainability, renewable energy, green transitions, and meaningful reform of global institutions. It’s a partnership built on trust and mutual goals, and the G20 is one of the key platforms where that plays out. The European Union supports the G20 partnership with African economies South Africa is forging, including through strengthening the G20 Compact with Africa.
The AU-EU Partnership been a driver to promote effective multilateralism and a rules based international order role, calling for reforms, as it is expounded in the UN Pact for the Future. Its adoption sent the clear signal that the global demand for cooperation remains strong and that we need a more just, inclusive, and effective system. The EU supports these efforts, committed to ensuring that the UN is fit for purpose and capable of delivering for all.
At the upcoming Ministerial and Summit, strengthen multilateralism will be a main topic, due also to the current turbulent global context. We note with concern growing challenges such as rising unilateralism and protectionism, which undermine collective efforts to address shared challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, unfair trade, global pandemics, rising inequality, irregular migration, organised crime, peace and security.
Just recently, on April 24th, we marked the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. I highlight what EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas remarked on her statement: we need to learn from history that isolationism and unilateralism led to painful results and instability. The United Nations was born eighty years ago, after devastating World Wars, to bring together all countries, big and small, into a new era of international cooperation with equal rules, where respect and dialogue would prevail over war. Rule of law over force. She underscores how we face grave challenges to our international order. Russia’s unprovoked, illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is a direct assault on peace and the very principles upon which the UN was founded. As in many other conflicts raging from the broader Middle East, Sudan, Yemen, the DRC and elsewhere. Our commitment to multilateralism is not just a matter of principle—it is a matter of global necessity.
Overall, the message is clear: no country, big or small, can meet today’s complex challenges alone. The only path is via collective solutions. As the geopolitical context evolves, the EU will continue to be a credible, reliable, and forward-looking defender of multilateralism. And we find in the AU a partner in this journey.
Capital: The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package aims to mobilize EUR150 billion by 2027. Could you elaborate on how this is being implemented and its impact on regional integration and sustainable growth?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package is a collaborative effort between the European Union, its Member States, and European financial institutions – in a Team Europe approach -, and also the private sector and non-governmental organisations. It mobilises investments to drive long-term prosperity through a combination of grants, loans, and private investments (an approach we also call blending). It fosters regional economic integration, sustainable growth, future-oriented infrastructure, and competitiveness of our economies. In concrete, it includes 138 flagships and Team Europe Initiatives that are delivering positive results and transformational impact. Many concrete examples of projects and respective results can be found at the Joint report European Commission – AUDA-NEPAD published in October and in this factsheet online.
Allow me to give you just a few examples across the five key areas where funding is allocated: a) Green Transition, with a focus on secure and renewable energy, including the development of at least 300 GW of additional renewable energy capacity by 2030 and develop clean hydrogen production; b) Digital Transition, aiming to enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity across Africa, such as the EurAfrica Gateway Cable and the European Secure Satellite Communications Programme; c) Sustainable Growth and Job Creation, including investing in infrastructure and transport across different modes, as well as trade and transport facilitation, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and Investing in Young Businesses in Africa; d) Health Systems Strengthening, such as enhancing vaccine manufacturing capabilities – as with the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) -, workforce development and digital health solutions, which concretely improves the lives of citizens with more efficient and accessible health assistance. It also includes EU support to crucial bodies like the African CDC and the African Medicines Agency to improve continental disease surveillance, response capabilities and regulatory capacities; e) Education and Training, to enhance education systems and vocational training opportunities and to equip the workforce with skills for the evolving job market.
As you can see, the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package is a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable development and economic integration, benefiting in concrete ways the citizens’ lives and prospects.
Capital: Peace and security remain critical issues for both continents. How does the EU support African-led initiatives like the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in addressing conflicts and promoting stability? How does the AU-EU partnership balance security missions with long-term development goals to ensure sustainable peace?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Regarding Peace and Security, there is an enhanced cooperation as we reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights, good governance, gender equality and justice. When both our continents are facing major conflicts with millions of people displaced, we stress the need to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts through dialogue, mediation and preventive diplomacy.
The EU has been the reliable, active and main partner for peace in the African continent, namely of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and Africa-owned security initiatives. We provided more than €3.5 billion, around 2 000 European military personnel, police officers and civil servants working alongside their African counterparts and training. Transport and equipment are provided thanks to the European Peace Facility (EPF). The majority of the EU civilian and military training and security missions are based in Africa, for example in Horn of Africa/ Somalia, Red Sea, Central Africa, Libya, Sahel/Gulf of Guinea and Mozambique.
These efforts are combined with support to frameworks for comprehensive continental responses. The EU support to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is in its fourth round. For more than a decade, the EU has contributed to strengthening AU agency and African solutions to African problems. The current programme has as ambition to reduce the incidence, duration and intensity of violent conflicts in Africa. Furthermore, we aim to increase the effectiveness of cooperation within and around the APSA framework, including with Civil Society Organisations, youth, and children.
A regular dialogue is ensured and there are frequent meetings between the AU Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the EU Political and Security Committee (EU PSC), as just happened on 22 November 2024. There is a strong focus on development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and human rights, as we share concerns on the consequences of conflicts on civilians, especially the most vulnerable groups. We recognise the importance of engaging women and youth at all levels of peace, security and political processes. We work jointly to address political instability and armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, organised crime, disinformation, piracy, maritime insecurity, cybersecurity and hybrid threats, and climate change and its security implications.
Capital: What measures are being taken to strengthen governance, rule of law, and democratic institutions across Africa, particularly in regions experiencing political instability?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: The EU stands by the desire shown by African population to live in a democratic and fair society. We support the AU in being more active into preventive diplomacy aiming at conflict prevention and mediation. The EU works with the AUC, RECs and countries on dealing with the root causes of conflicts to prevent their recurrence. This is complex as many dynamics are involved, but we can witness positive signs, for instance when countries require AU assistance in dealing with national elections or to set up the national transitional justice process.
Our main work is direct to strengthen African institutions in the long term, for example the African Governance Architecture and its organs. For years, we have been among the greatest financial supporters to the African Commission in Banjul, the African Court in Arusha, the Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Maseru and also the Pan-African Parliament. Our further support in the field of electoral capacity and electoral observation has also contributed to the strengthening of democratic institutions. Stressing more than ever the links between governance, conflict prevention and ensuring peace and security for all.
The continental level work is complemented by our work at national level, conducted by EU delegations across Africa – who support on the ground election management boards, national human rights commissions, civil society working on this field and other stakeholders. We welcome the role that Youth and Civil Society play and that is why we also include a CSO-Youth Side Event taking place a day before the EU-AU Ministerial in Brussels.
Capital: Human development is central to the AU-EU partnership. What initiatives are being implemented in culture and to empower youth and women in Africa, particularly in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Human development has always been at the heart of the AU-EU partnership. We place particular emphasis on empowering youth and women, especially through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. As well on allowing a people-to-people connection and cultural interaction to enhance mutual understanding.
Examples are the gender equality project Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0, the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa, the AU-EU Youth Lab, the Opportunity-driven skills and VET in Africa, to train people in a way that responds to the opportunities of the labour market, the expanded Erasmus+ program, cultural exchanges such as Maisha, and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, which increases the capacities and achievements of both European and African researchers and innovator and stimulates entrepreneurship and job creation.
One key initiative we are particularly proud of is the Youth Mobility for Africa, which brings together EU-funded programmes that promote learning mobility both within Africa and between Africa and Europe. It also fosters cooperation in higher education and helps position Africa as a destination for study and innovation. We recently launched the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, under the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations. Backed by €15 million, it offers young people opportunities for both formal and informal learning, helping them grow their leadership skills and build lasting cross-continental networks. We are also investing €27 million in 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects that are active in 22 African countries. These provide students, trainees, and staff with the opportunity to build green and digital skills—key to employability and sustainable growth.
In close collaboration with the African Union, we also support the AfricaEducatesHer campaign. It is an initiative in line with the AU’s Continental Education Strategy and it reflects our shared belief that investing in girls’ education is not just a matter of inclusion—it’s a matter of justice and long-term development.
Capital: As the EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, what steps are being taken to ensure that trade agreements are mutually beneficial, particularly in fostering local industries and creating jobs in Africa?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: The EU believes in free, fair and sustainable trade. In the current global context, I want to highlight that 35 African countries benefit from the Everything but Arms scheme, offering duty free and quota free access to the EU market.
The Global Gateway investments will have a strong impact on enhancing infrastructure connectivity and, therefore, on regional economic integration. Projects such as for instance the Dakar-Abidjan and the Lobito strategic corridors aim to improve transport links, facilitating trade and mobility between African countries. These are key to progress in the implementation the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As we experienced ourselves in the EU, the establishment of a continental free trade area, economic integration and promotion of regional value chains, and fostering trade in higher value-added goods and services are key for the prosperity. These bring concrete benefits to companies and people in both continents.
The EU is indeed and by far Africa’s largest trading and investment partner, accounting for about 33% of Africa’s total trade, while Africa is the EU’s fourth trade partner. EU’s total trade with African countries increased by 27% since 2014, with its imports from Africa increasing by 38% and its exports, by 16%. Trade agreements between the EU and African countries, in particular Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), play an important role in strengthening trade and economic relations between the two continents. These have positive impact: trade flows have increased, are gradually diversifying, and lead to attract more European investment. Industrialisation often relies on foreign direct investment (FDI) and EPAs support attracting it. EU’s total FDI stock in Africa was EUR 239 billion in 2023. Between 2013 and 2023, EU investment in EPA countries grew by 18% whereas in non-EPA countries, it only increased by 4%. Foreign capital is conducive to additional wealth, jobs, value, and business creation. The EU and AU countries will continue to build on these arrangements in view of increasing and diversifying trade with Africa and investment on the continent.
To be even more mutual beneficial, EPAs give African countries the possibility to protect certain industries, including so-called ‘infant industries’ that they seek to develop and long phase-in periods for tariff liberalization (up to 15 years). Partners have also been able to keep their market closed to imports of sensitive (notably agricultural) products that are especially susceptible to foreign competition. Moreover, the EU continues to directly support economic integration processes in Africa, which leads to a better investment climate and job creation. This is the way, we believe, for Africa to tap into the full potential of economic integration and trade.
Capital: How does the AU-EU partnership address challenges related to accelerating green and digital transitions in Africa while ensuring inclusivity and equitable access?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: On the top of the EU agenda is seizing from the twin transitions, conducing them to develop a green and digital fair, human-centred and prosperous society. Both inside the EU and elsewhere in the world.
The AU-EU partnership plays a key role in driving the green and digital transitions, essential to unlock economic growth, innovation, and social development, and in addressing its challenges to ensure their benefits are inclusive and accessible to all. Besides Global Gateway investments, I can give you some other concrete examples.
The EU and AU have joined hands to develop the “Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa 2024-2034, which we are already implementing through a number of regional and bilateral EU funded programmes. One excellent example is the EUR 40 million SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa programme, which promotes green and circular business models to mitigate climate change and enhance economic opportunities, at the same time that it empowers women, youth, and marginalized communities through sustainable practices.
One of the key challenges for digital transition in Africa is the lack of robust digital infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. The EU supports the development of essential infrastructure such as broadband networks, data centres, satellite connectivity, fiber-optic cables and 5G networks. This to ensure wider coverage and improved connectivity for all regions.
To make the digital transition truly inclusive, the partnership places strong emphasis on building digital skills across Africa, namely to enhance digital literacy, focusing on women, youth, and marginalized groups. By upskilling the African workforce, the partnership ensures that all people have the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy. It also fosters innovation through initiatives that support digital startups and entrepreneurs in Africa. The EU provides funding and technical support to local businesses working in the digital sector, helping them scale their operations and create new job opportunities. Programs like Horizon Europe aim to bring cutting-edge technologies to the continent while promoting the growth of homegrown tech solutions.
A successful digital transition requires strong governance and a clear regulatory framework. The AU-EU partnership collaborates to design an Artificial Intelligence strategy, and, together with African governments, to strengthen digital policies, ensuring they support innovation while protecting users’ rights and data privacy. This includes developing frameworks for data governance, digital trade, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. By aligning regulatory standards between African countries, the partnership helps create a more seamless and secure digital ecosystem that fosters trust and attracts investment. By improving access to digital platforms, the partnership enhances Africa’s participation in the global digital economy, empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs to reach new customers.
Capital: Climate change poses a significant threat to both continents. What joint actions are being taken under the AU-EU partnership to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Indeed, and this is exactly why we need to urgently accelerate climate action. The joint focus and investment in renewable energy is definitely crucial. The continent’s power companies are seeking to sharply boost clean-power generation (focusing mainly on solar and wind), cut reliance on fossil fuels and nearly double total power output within less than a decade. And, the EU has been supporting this, as our investments in green hydrogen and in massive solar energy parks show. There is the need to steer an urgent transformation of our economies into climate-neutral, green, clean and circular.
A great example is the AU-EU long-term cooperation on renewable energy, the LEAP-RE programme. It is co-funded by both African and European partners. That includes governments, research agencies, and other institutions from both continents who jointly define the priorities and co-create the research agenda together. The projects under LEAP-RE focus on renewable energy innovation, capacity building, and creating sustainable energy solutions tailored to African contexts. It’s a great example of how we can address climate challenges together while promoting local ownership and long-term impact.
The African continent in particular is disproportionately affected by events caused by climate change, even though Africa contributes less than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions to climate change. Therefore, the EU and its Member States assume responsibility for African solutions. For example, we support the approach of the African Risk Capacity, an insurance agency of the AU that intervenes in the event of climate events. I am a member of the ARC Group Board myself in order to live up to Europe’s responsibility here too. I recall the dramatic drought in southern Africa last year, the worst in decades, in which the ARC paid out insurance benefits at short notice, thus saving many lives.
Capital: How do you envision the AU-EU partnership contributing to global efforts to protect biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and build climate-resilient economies?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: We are witnessing an imminent global biodiversity collapse. This might costs us centuries to recover. The severe consequences of climate-change are increasingly apparent in both Europe and Africa. We work with African partners to move forward in implementing COP agreements, the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. These are a main joint priority in shaping global agenda in the multilateral system.
Africa is blessed by its natural heritage, which is however under threat through unsustainable natural resources management, the expansion of agriculture land, and population growth and the encroachment of human settlement. This has a negative impact on ecosystem services, such as a provision of clean permanent water, which has in turn huge economic and human impacts.
We need to learn from nature. This is why the EU promotes a bio-economy and the transition from a linear to a circular economy, as well as nature-based solutions. Besides directing the Global Gateway investment to accelerate the green transition, the EU remains committed to support the AU Biodiversity Action Plan, though the continental NaturAfrica programme and bilateral projects in many African countries. The EU and its Member States cooperate with Africa in the continent’s climate action through various initiatives, namely Early Warning Systems (EWS), access to climate adaptation finance, and Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) solutions.
Capital: Migration remains a sensitive issue between Africa and Europe. How is the partnership addressing migration challenges while promoting mobility and exchange opportunities for mutual benefit?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: A major concern for both continents is migration and mobility, which continue to shape the shared history and future of Africa and Europe. Migration can be an enormous opportunity, a catalyst for economic, social and human development. It is a main element within the AU-EU Partnership. It is a joint responsibility, based on the principles of solidarity and collaboration.
A people-centred approach is at the core of the AU-EU partnership, as it builds structured, multi-level and transparent dialogues between our two continents, notably the Valletta Declaration, the Rabat Process, the Khartoum Process, the Continent-to-Continent Migration and Mobility Dialogue, as well as the Rome Process. EU-African partnership initiatives cover all aspects of the migration by strengthening migration governance and management, fostering cooperation on return, readmission and sustainable reintegration, fighting migrant smuggling and trafficking of human beings. A particular focus is on addressing the root causes of irregular migration – climate change, conflicts and lack of opportunities – and on enhancing existing legal pathways for migration and mobility. Talent Partnerships have been initiated to link training with labour market needs, offering a skills-based approach to mobility. We work together, and also with other partners such as UN and NGOs, to uphold the dignity, safety, and human rights of all migrants and to ensure the resettlement of refugees.
A balanced common migration policy benefits migrants, countries of origin, and countries of destination. Our approach includes protecting and assisting forcibly displaced persons, as well as host communities. We welcome comprehensive, tailor-made and mutually beneficial partnerships with key countries of origin, transit and destination in a whole of route approach, covering all aspects of migration. We promote the integration of migrants while considering the needs of vulnerable groups.
Capital: The Ministerial Meeting on May 21 will gather over 80 governments along with new leadership from both unions. What key outcomes do you expect from this meeting, especially regarding shared challenges like peacebuilding or economic recovery post-COVID-19? As preparations begin for the 7th AU-EU Summit later this year, what priorities will shape discussions at this milestone event?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: We are now at full speed in preparing these important meetings: the Ministerial on May 21 in Brussels, and the Summit later in Africa. These are the biggest gatherings both sides organise and these are special as they happen when we celebrate 25 years of the AU-EU Partnership and after the change of leadership on both Unions.
The Ministerial is a key moment to take stock of progress, to reaffirm our unwavering collaboration, and recharge the Partnership to keep performing in light of the current and forthcoming challenges. In both events, the priorities to discuss will be the key pillars of Joint Vision 2030 – Peace, Prosperity, Planet and People. We agree that we need to continue implementing these chosen strategic areas as they are the most important to build future-proof and blissful societies in both continents.
One main outcome will be surely the toughen joint commitment to defend and reform the multilateral system, with the Charter of the United Nations at its core, against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and geo-economic instability and fragmentation, as well as the existential climate crisis, digital pressures and social challenges.
These frequent meetings at the highest level allow us to keep the critical alignment of AU and EU institutions and member states in what and how our Partnership can deliver, to address our common priorities and promote our shared values. They are unique opportunities to discuss how to bring our economies and our peoples closer and to identify areas where we need to deepen our cooperation for the benefit of citizens from both continents. These occasions will also be used to celebrate, to acknowledge and to show results on how our relations have grown in depth, ambition and political importance over 25 years.
Capital: How do anniversary initiatives like joint outreach campaigns help foster understanding among citizens of both continents about the importance of this partnership? What message would you like to convey to African and European citizens regarding their role in supporting this partnership’s vision for prosperity, peace, human development, and sustainability?
Ambassador Niño Pérez: Institutions are only as strong as the trust citizens have on them. On both continents, we need to explain why this Partnership between Africa and Europe is so relevant to the peace and prosperity of all. And also to give them space to voice their concerns and suggestions.
Our 25th anniversary is a silver hook to reach out and explain what the AU-EU Partnership is, why it matters to them, how it impacts their lives. Be it as peace in one country spreads regional stability, as investment in renewables allows them to have secure and cheaper energy in the long run, as strengthen democracy leads to freedom and fair distribution of resources, as it delivers education and work opportunities, access to quality medicine or to a health facility, and to economic growth brought by trade. To allow them to know about opportunities and seize from them. During this year, we are going to give voice to different people, as we gave to Theresa and Roberta to explain how the Partnership puts Youth at its core. Follow more examples at our website, Facebook and X, with the AUEU25, and share them with your friends.
Each one of us, as a citizen, is key. We all need to take ownership in our common future and to use all the tools at our disposal to fight for a democratic, fair and peaceful society. As our HRVP said: learn from the past. We are all confronted daily with fake information: my message is to follow and support credible institutions, as well as the quality media, to ensure we all take better decisions. Participate in your community, start your business, be active politically, protect your fellow human beings and the planet. Our future depends on all of us.
