Geopolitical crises and internal pressures top the agenda of the Africa-Europe summit

Political analysts, Gregoire Rous and Tigeste Amare, believe that when the leaders of the African Union and the European Union meet in the Angolan capital, Luanda, for their seventh summit, today and tomorrow, they will meet at a time when geopolitical certainty is fading, and the two blocs are facing increasing pressure at home.

The Director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Programs, Gregoire Rous, and the Director of the Africa Programs at the Chatham House Institute, Tegeste Amare, officially known as the British Royal Institute, said in a report published by the Institute that the African Union has become a more central position in the economic and geopolitical calculations for Europe, not least because of the growing demand for vital African minerals, the growing insecurity in the European Union countries and concerns about migration.

Ross and Amari added, “Europe remains a vital partner for Africa, as it is the largest market for African exports, and a major source of investment, development financing, and technology. The European Union is also a major diplomatic ally in global forums, where African governments seek reforms on debt, climate financing, and global governance.”

The sixth summit of the African Union and the European Union, held in February 2022, in Brussels, resulted in a “far-reaching joint vision for 2030,” which promised to reset political, economic, and security cooperation.

But within days, Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped international markets, shifted political attention, revealed mixed expectations for a multilateral alliance, and completely scuppered ambitious plans for a sixth summit. However, the continuing climate of global uncertainty now makes a stronger case than ever for reviving a sense of ambition and resetting AU-EU relations.

African countries have long faced challenges that include weak industrialization, infrastructure gaps, and high borrowing costs.

The long conflicts in Sudan, eastern Democratic Congo, and parts of the Sahel region have confirmed the fragility of state institutions, the obstacles to achieving regional coordination, and the limitations of the influence of the African Union.

At the same time, the wave of protests led by young people from Generation Z indicates growing frustration with political stagnation and economic exclusion.

The two analysts concluded their report by saying that if leaders seize this moment, Luanda could launch a more realistic and forward-looking phase in relations. If they do not, the two continents risk drifting into a partnership defined by missed opportunities, rather than moving towards formulating a common strategy.