The European Union will focus on three key areas of infrastructure, health and education in a “sizable and ambitious package” of support for Africa in the coming years.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in her closing speech at the two-day EU-AU summit held in Brussels, Belgium.
The summit was attended by many African and European leaders, including Nigeria’s President Muhammedu Buhari who has since returned to Abuja.
“I would like to share with you three key issues that I am taking from this Summit: Now is the time to turn our shared vision into reality. It is time to become operational,” the EU president said.
Ms Von der Leyen said this is the first time Europe is having a global investment strategy, “and never before have we put on the table such a sizable and ambitious package with Africa.
“We will work together as of tomorrow to develop strategic projects with transformative impact,” she added.
Under the Global Gateway African investment package, Ms Von der Leyen said the EU will prioritise infrastructure, with a focus on energy, digital and transport interconnection.
“Our objectives are greater access to electricity through the expansion of regional power grids, and the development of hydrogen capacity. Greater internet access via submarine cables linking Europe and Africa, and terrestrial cables across Africa’s regions,” she noted.
