The European Commission (EC) is proposing a new initiative branded ‘Africa – Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs’, to “substantially boost investment in Africa, strengthen trade, create jobs, and invest in education and skills”.
Speaking during his State of the Union Address earlier this month, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said: “Africa does not need charity, it needs true and fair partnership. I believe we should develop the numerous EU-African trade agreements into a continent-to-continent free trade agreement, as an economic partnership between equals.”
Vice-president Federica Mogherini added that this was the next step in Europe and Africa becoming “true economic partners” and in deepening the trade and investment relationship.
“Boosting responsible investment in Africa is a win-win for both sides,” she said. The proposal includes objectives such as investment in road and transport infrastructure in Africa, investment in renewable energy, and investment in skills development for 750 000 people on the continent.
Africa does not need charity, it needs true and fair partnership. – Jean-Claude Juncker
