On 5 March 2025, a historic agreement was signed between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) to strengthen capacities in Africa. This agreement, which is part of increased cooperation between the two entities, aims to support sustainable development, peace and security on the African continent.
Background to the AU – EU Agreement
Africa faces many challenges, including poverty, conflict, climate change and inequality. According to World Bank data, about 40% of Africa’s population lives on less than 1.90 USD per day. Furthermore, Africa is home to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, representing enormous potential for agriculture and food security. However, to harness this potential, significant investments in infrastructure, education and health are needed.
The AU and EU recognize that collaboration is essential to address these challenges. The signed agreement aims to mobilize financial and technical resources to:
- Strengthen the capacities of African institutions
- Promote economic development
- Improve the resilience of communities to crises
At the signing ceremony, Fathallah Sijilmassi, Director General of the AU Commission, stressed that this agreement « consolidates our cooperation and will contribute to strengthening African integration and sustainable development, in line with the mission and vision of the African Union ».
Objectives of the Agreement
The AU-EU agreement is divided into several key objectives.
- Strengthening institutional capacities: One of the main thrusts of the agreement is support for African institutions. This includes training civil servants, developing governance systems and promoting transparency. According to the AU, around 70% of African countries lack sufficient institutional capacity to implement effective policies.
- Supporting sustainable agriculture: The agreement also provides for investments in sustainable agriculture. Around 60% of the African population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. The EU commits to funding projects aimed at improving agricultural techniques, promoting access to markets and strengthening food security.
- Promoting peace and security: Peace and security are essential prerequisites for development. The agreement includes initiatives to strengthen the capacities of African security forces and promote peaceful solutions to conflicts.
- Combating climate change: Africa is one of the continents most affected by climate change. The agreement includes measures to strengthen the resilience of communities to natural disasters and promote sustainable practices. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Africa could lose up to 30% of its agricultural production by 2050 if action is not taken.
Key Figures
To better understand the potential impact of this agreement.
- Investments: The EU is committed to investing 1.5 billion EUR under this agreement over the next five years. This represents a 25% increase compared to previous investments in development in Africa.
- Jobs: This agreement could create up to 2 million jobs in agriculture and infrastructure by 2030, helping to reduce the unemployment rate that currently stands at 14% in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Education: The agreement also provides 500 million EUR in funding to improve access to education, with a target of increasing the literacy rate by 30% by 2030.
- Health: In terms of health, the agreement aims to strengthen health systems by investing 300 million EUR in the fight against infectious diseases and the promotion of maternal and child health.
Implications of the Agreement
The AU-EU Agreement for Capacity Building in Africa has profound implications for the continent. By fostering a collaborative approach, it helps to address the specific needs of African countries while leveraging the EU’s expertise and resources.
Furthermore, this partnership could serve as a model for other international agreements. By focusing on sustainable development and resilience, it responds to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 17 which aims to strengthen partnerships for development.
A more prosperous and sustainable future for the continent
The AU-EU Agreement for Capacity Building in Africa represents a significant step towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for the continent. By mobilizing financial and technical resources, this agreement aims to transform challenges into opportunities, promote peace and security, and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, this collaboration between the AU and the EU could well be the key to a better future in Africa.
