For decades, the narrative surrounding Africa-Europe relations has often been one of dependence and aid. Many people believe that Africa needs a saviour. However, despite its young population and abundant natural resources, it has taken longer than expected for the continent to firmly establish itself in the global world order. But change is brewing, and nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving relationship between Africa and the European Union.
As elsewhere, China’s rapidly increasing involvement in Africa over the last few years has drawn significant attention in Europe. Historically, the US and European nations believed they were the main players in Africa’s external relations. However, the China-Africa embrace of the last decade has somewhat re-ignited a tremendous amount of European interest in Africa. Though that is debatable, many believe that Europe’s more recent desire to engage Africa is motivated by a sense of perceived competition.
The European Union and Africa’s Partnership
The EU has long been Africa’s largest trading partner, leading foreign direct investor, and principal provider of development assistance. Recently, this dynamic has evolved into a more equitable partnership, characterized by mutual interests and a shared commitment to Africa’s future.
This new chapter is penned as the EU’s “Global Gateway Strategy,” unveiled in December 2021. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, described it as “a template for how Europe can build more resilient connections with the world,” with Africa at the heart of this vision.
The strategy envisions mobilizing at least €150 billion in investments for Africa by 2027, focusing on key areas like renewable energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development. According to the EU, it is designed to move beyond a purely transactional approach to development, focusing on sustainable and principled investments that uphold democratic values, good governance, and environmental responsibility, a contrast to past narratives of resource extraction and unsustainable practices.
A Partnership of Equals
The AU-EU Partnership underscores the mutual recognition of each continent’s strategic importance to the other. With Europe recognizing that Africa is not just a recipient of aid but a vital player on the global stage, the strategy aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for social and economic transformation. In essence, Europe and Africa are not just neighbours, “Europe needs Africa, and Africa needs Europe.”
Building Trust and Delivering Results
The success of the Global Gateway depends on Europe’s ability to build trust and ensure African ownership. Countries like Nigeria, one of the continent’s largest economies, have in the past been reluctant to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for West Africa, fearing it would expose their industries and small businesses to external pressures and competition. So when it comes to relating with the EU, a constant question remains in the heart of many: “What’s in it for Europe?” And at what cost?
Because Africa has unique needs, extensive consultations with national governments and regional partners formed the cornerstone of the Global gateway partnership with Africa to ensure that the solutions proposed are relevant and beneficial for the continent. For instance, considering that Africa only contributes 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet was one of the first to feel the effect of climate change, the strategy prioritized climate and energy as part of its Agenda 2030.
“What’s in it for the EU?”
Even though the EU has self-serving interests with its neighbours in the south, it aims to bridge Africa’s vast digital divide through the Global Gateway. This contest not only pits Europe against China and other global powers like the United States and Russia, but it also makes Africa a key theatre in the conflict. Without mincing words, one of Europe’s interests is access to African raw materials. Europe is not shy to admit it needs inputs such as copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and other rare earth essentials from Africa for its ecological transition and “green” reindustrialization.
According to documents obtained when 19 African Union Media Fellows paid a visit to the European Parliament in June 2024, of the 225 flagship EU projects approved in 2023 and 2024, 116 are in Africa, and of the 114 Team Europe Initiatives, 75 target Africa.
Challenges and Opportunities
Even though the EU believes that Africa is a privileged partner of strategic importance, concerns persist about how private-sector investment translates into tangible benefits for Africans. For instance, the global interest in mining cobalt from the DRC hasn’t led to any visible improvements in the country. Instead, it has plunged the country into severe conflict as the world scrambles for its natural resources. So, how can we ensure Africa is protected?
Despite the questions arising, the potential of the Global Gateway is undeniable. It presents Africa with a unique opportunity to boost its economy, improve its infrastructure, and build a future based on shared prosperity and sustainability. As Africa and Europe embark on this new chapter in their relationship, the result might see Africa tending towards Europe in terms of trust and this could serve as a model for future partnerships.
Voices from the Continent: Hope and Skepticism
BlackLadyWriter spoke with several key figures across Africa to gauge their perspectives on the Global Gateway strategy.
Puok Kamler, a young diasporan from South Sudan, sees the potential for the strategy to unlock new opportunities. Even though they often say “free services always come with a greater cost, digital infrastructure is critical for businesses,” he explains. “The Global Gateway’s focus on internet connectivity could be a game-changer, allowing entrepreneurs to reach new markets and scale their operations.”
However, Dr. Babalola Akinbobola, an economist from Nigeria, expresses a note of caution. “Debt has been a burden for many African nations in the past,” he says. “The success of the Global Gateway hinges on ensuring these investments are sustainable and don’t create a new cycle of dependence.”
Both Kamler and Akinbobola highlight the importance of transparency and accountability. “African governments need to ensure these investments benefit the people,” stresses Kamler. “We need all the transparency in order to build trust.”
The Road Ahead
The EU’s Global Gateway isn’t operating in a vacuum. Africa’s vast resources and youthful population have attracted a multitude of suitors. China, for instance, has been a major player for decades, pouring billions into infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the BRI has undeniable benefits, concerns have been raised about unsustainable debt burdens and a lack of transparency in project selection.
While the EU’s Global Gateway is an ambitious undertaking, it can redefine Africa’s relationship with the world. If successful, it could usher in a new era of partnership and shared prosperity for Africa and Europe.
For now, the eyes of the world remain on Africa, a continent on the rise.