AUC Chairperson appeals for balanced trade, mineral transformation investment, market access and equitable multilateralism

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (FMC) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf outlined Africa’s key priorities at the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda on Monday.

Addressing the Summit, he emphasized the need for balanced trade partnerships, greater European investment in Africa’s mineral transformation, the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers restricting access to EU markets, and stronger multilateralism based on equality and shared interests.

Speaking at the main session, Youssouf described Africa as an emerging global growth powerhouse, endowed with abundant markets, human capital, and natural resources.

He noted that the continent is progressively moving beyond reliance on raw-material supply and increasingly taking a greater role across global value chains.

He urged Europe to intensify investments in Africa’s mineral transformation sector and stressed that lifting tariff and non-tariff barriers would allow African products to compete fairly in European markets.

Youssouf also called for a more equitable multilateral system, emphasizing the importance of rules and partnerships rooted in equality, mutual respect, and shared global interests.

The 7th AU–EU Summit, running from 24–25 November, marks 25 years since the formal establishment of Africa–EU institutional cooperation.

Leaders and senior officials from both unions are discussing key issues, including peace and security, investment and economic cooperation, human development, sustainability, and the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

Youssouf concluded by highlighting that the Luanda Summit provides an opportunity for Africa and Europe to advance a shared vision for peace, progress, and prosperity, stressing that collaboration across the two continents can uplift shared humanity and mutual interests.