#AUEU25 Photography Competition – concrete visual stories of the AU-EU Partnership close the 25th anniversary joint celebration
As part of the #AUEU25 campaign marking 25 years of the unique AU-EU partnership, the EU Delegation to the African Union and the African Union Commission launched an international photography competition. A visual tribute to this enduring partnership which attracted more than 700 talented young photographers from both continents, each offering unique perspectives that capture the tangible impact of our collaboration across both continents, the essence of our shared journey. From those, the selection panel nominated 25 finalists, among which one per continent were crowned Grand Winners.
View in the following presentation all the 25 selected photographs and learn more about the authors and the stories behind these outstanding photographs that beautifully illustrate the partnership's achievements. Different angles of concrete deliverables to the citizens of both continents through the lens of young photographers from all over Africa and the EU:
Each image tells a real story of how the AU-EU Partnership has meaningfully improved lives across both continents over the past 25 years, on main priorities such as sustainable development and food security, climate action and energy, investment, educational exchanges, health, digital transition, gender equality and youth empowerment. The featured works exemplify creativity, sensitivity, and ability to foster dialogue between cultures and perspectives. Among them, the two Grand Winners, in particular, highlight the most important element of the AU-EU Partnership: the human dimension:
From Nigeria, Michael Aremu Adeoye presents "Limitless," which embodies one of the main ingredients of the AU-EU Partnership: dialogue through diversity. By listening and learning from each other, Africa and the EU build, together, stronger solutions for common challenges and for efficient multilateralism.
Mariana Serejo, from Portugal, captures the essence of the partnership: respect, connection, people-to-people. "The Duty To Protect" offers a compelling visual testament to the AU-EU Partnership’s central pillar of peace and security and to the enduring EU support to AU-led initiatives.
Both winners have been awarded a €500 prize each and will be the special speakers at the exhibition opening and award ceremony in February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All 25 finalist photographs will be featured on that occasion and will also be showcased in a digital publication shared with EU and AU missions worldwide, amplifying their reach and impact.
The jury carefully evaluated submissions based on artistic merit, relevance to the theme, and regional representation, ensuring the final selection reflects the rich diversity of perspectives across Africa and the EU. The panel included EU and AU institutional representatives - Javier Niño Pérez, European Union Ambassador to the African Union, and Steve Patrick Lalande, AUC’s Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization – and two professional photographers - Agaba Solomon Peabo, Africa No Filter (Uganda) and Stephanie De Lima, CEO of Tetra x Africa (France).
The EU and the AU extend the deepest gratitude to them and to all participants who shared their unique perspectives through this competition. The #AUEU25 Through Our Lens Photography Competition celebrates artistic excellence and the meaningful connections forged between the two continents through 25 years of partnership – connections that continue to grow stronger through the universal language of photography.
