Seventh African Union - European Union Summit
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Europe is Africa’s main trading partner and closest neighbour. This November the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) celebrate 25 years of ever-closer cooperation. The 7th AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola on 24-25 November 2025 marks a quarter-century of partnership and improved economic, political and social ties. The theme of the summit is “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism”. The EU-AU summit has an impact on everyday lives by promoting opportunities and addressing common challenges.
By bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector and youth interests from each continent, the summit will reflect on how the partnership should evolve.
A shared vision
The AU–EU partnership continues to grow through AU–EU Summits, Team Europe Initiatives, Ministerial Meetings and joint regional and continental programmes.
Building Stronger Institutions
The AU–EU partnership strengthens institutional capacity and supports governance, accountability and reform in line with Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for transformation.
- €600 million (2022–2025) in support to the AU Commission through the European Peace Facility (EPF)
- Ongoing cooperation to advance Agenda 2063 priorities
Multilateral Partners
Peace
African and EU teams work together to prevent conflict, protect communities and support stabilisation efforts led by African partners.
- 70% of EPF assistance worldwide supports African partners
- €1.3 billion for African-led peace operations
- 21 of 32 EPF beneficiaries are in Africa
- 11 EU civilian and military missions : Africa is the largest region of EU engagement in peace and security
Prosperity
Africa and the EU are major economic partners: the EU is Africa’s largest trading partner and investor, while Africa is the EU’s 4th largest trade partner.
- EU imports from Africa grew by 37% (2014–2024)
- Manufacturing imports rose by 75% (from €29bn to €52bn)
- 71% of African exports to the EU are raw materials, nearly half of which are fuels
- €80 billion in investment mobilised under Global Gateway
- 138 flagship projects in clean energy, digital transformation and infrastructure
- €239 billion in EU foreign direct investment — the EU remains Africa’s most significant long-term investor
- €1.2 billion and 80+ programmes supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
People
Africa and Europe invest together in skills, research, innovation and mobility.
- Over €3 billion in research and innovation partnerships since 2021
- More than €1.3 billion in Horizon Europe grants for African-led research
- Around 32,000 African students and academics have participated in Erasmus+ exchanges
