Africa and Europe Renew Strategic Partnership at 7th AU-EU Summit in Luanda
Luanda, Angola - 25 November 2025 - Leaders from the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) convened in Luanda on 24–25 November for the 7th AU-EU Summit, marking 25 years of a unique, strategic partnership. Co-chaired by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President António Costa, AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Summit reaffirmed the AU-EU Joint Vision for 2030 and charted new priorities for the decade ahead.
EU 2025
A Partnership for a Changed World
President Costa stressed that in a more fragmented global landscape, “Africa and Europe stand stronger together.” President von der Leyen underlined that amid geopolitical competition and politicised global trade, “Africa and Europe need each other more than ever. We want to be partners of choice.”
Both sides committed to deeper cooperation to create jobs, respond to youth aspirations, diversify economies, and reduce unsustainable dependencies while ensuring access to capital, technology and resources.
Trade and Investment at the Heart of Growth
Africa and Europe reaffirmed their belief in open, rules-based trade. Europe remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with one third of African trade flowing to the EU.
Key announcements include:
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New support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Progress on major connectivity projects such as the Lobito Corridor, which this week enabled the first-ever export of Angolan avocados to Europe.
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A renewed push to strengthen regional value chains, including in critical minerals.
President von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway investments: “We invest in local jobs and local value chains - this is Europe’s model.” Global Gateway has already mobilised over EUR 120 billion, with the EU on track to reach EUR 150 billion by 2027.
Scaling Up Clean Energy in Africa
Recognising Africa’s immense renewable potential, leaders committed to accelerating the clean energy transition. Despite holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa receives only 2% of global clean-energy investment.
Key actions include:
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Delivering clean electricity to 100 million people by 2030.
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Scaling up renewables through the global EUR 15.5 billion pledge secured at the G20.
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A Team Europe commitment of over EUR 400 million for clean cooking.
“A just transition must be for all-and it must be made in Africa,” President von der Leyen said.
Peace, Security and Humanitarian Commitments
Leaders underscored unwavering support for an international order based on the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for immediate de-escalation in Sudan and the DRC and reaffirmed their support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian Territory, the Sahel, Somalia and elsewhere.
Both sides stressed the importance of predictable UN financing for AU-led peace support operations and pledged closer cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, hybrid threats and disinformation.
People, Mobility and Skills
The AU and EU committed to building opportunities for youth through:
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Stronger cooperation on education, skills, research and innovation.
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Expanded student, researcher and academic mobility.
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A balanced approach to migration and mobility, including enhanced legal pathways and dignified return and reintegration.
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Greater support to the African diaspora as drivers of innovation and investment.
A Stronger Voice in Multilateralism
Marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, leaders pledged to work towards a more representative and effective multilateral system, reform of the international financial architecture, ambitious climate action, and deep WTO reform ahead of the 2026 Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
Next Steps
Both Unions agreed to adopt a joint implementation plan within six months, strengthen monitoring through the Joint Monitoring Report, and enhance political follow-up. The 8th AU-EU Summit will be held in Brussels.
Zambia Participation
Zambia was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, who underscored the urgent need for UN Security Council reform—a position supported by the EU.
MOFA ZAMBIA 2025
Appreciation to Angola
The AU and EU expressed their gratitude to President João Lourenço and the people of Angola for their warm hospitality and the excellent organisation of this landmark Summit.
Joint Declaration of the 7th African Union- European Union summit
For more information contact: Press & Information Officer, EU Delegation to Zambia & COMESA: Ms Nchimunya Mweemba, Nchimunya.MWEEMBA@eeas.europa.eu, +260 970007092.