Luanda, November 26, 2025 (FMC) — African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) leaders pledged to deepen their strategic partnership, advancing development, peace, and sustainable cooperation between the two continents.
The commitments came during the 7th AU-EU Summit in Luanda, marking the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU partnership since its first summit in 2000.
The summit, co-chaired by Angola’s President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, brought together heads of state, governments, and senior officials from both unions.
It concluded on November 25 with a joint declaration highlighting progress, resilience, and future priorities across political, economic, social, and environmental spheres.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Vision for 2030, noting progress in institutional, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties, aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063, the EU’s strategic priorities, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They emphasized the need for continued cooperation to achieve integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continents.
Development, Trade, and Investment
The declaration outlined key initiatives to advance economic growth, industrialization, and regional integration in Africa. Leaders welcomed progress under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, aimed at leveraging public and private funds to stimulate trade and investment, improve the business climate, and promote sustainable development.
They pledged support for African countries to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), develop value chains, and diversify exports, particularly in strategic and critical minerals. Cooperation on environmental sustainability and decarbonization was highlighted, including support for African exporters managing natural resources and biodiversity-based products.
The leaders recognized the challenges posed by global trade uncertainties and emphasized that Europe-Africa trade relations should remain stable, predictable, and rules-based. Debt sustainability was also raised, with calls for domestic reforms, international debt architecture improvements, and the use of innovative financial instruments to reduce financing costs for African countries.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Transformation
The summit reaffirmed the commitment to joint investment in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the Global Gateway, with projects like the Lobito corridor. Leaders pledged to enhance connectivity, trade facilitation, and continental integration, while promoting renewable energy and a clean energy transition to benefit at least 100 million Africans by 2030.
Digital transformation was highlighted as a driver for economic growth, inclusive development, and innovation, with emphasis on e-governance, digital skills, online safety, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. Cooperation in sustainable transport, climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries, food security, biodiversity protection, and blue economy initiatives was also reaffirmed.
Peace, Security, and Governance
AU and EU leaders committed to strengthened cooperation on peace, security, and governance, supporting African-led solutions, mediation efforts, and peace operations. The summit stressed the importance of addressing terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, hybrid threats, and maritime security, while promoting democracy, rule of law, human rights, and gender equality.
The declaration addressed specific conflicts, including in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Sahel, calling for peaceful resolution, civilian-led transitions, and humanitarian access. Leaders also reaffirmed support for refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities, through coordinated humanitarian responses and continental mechanisms.
Climate, Sustainability, and Multilateral Cooperation
Leaders reiterated their commitment to international law, multilateralism, and climate action. They emphasized implementation of the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as mobilization of climate finance for developing countries. Cooperation on carbon markets, adaptation, resilience building, and innovative climate financing was highlighted.
The summit also called for inclusive global tax cooperation, sustainable finance, and reform of international financial institutions to support economic growth and development across Africa. Leaders recognized the importance of historical justice, reparations, and inclusive dialogue on the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
Migration and Mobility
The declaration reaffirmed cooperation on migration and mobility, emphasizing safe, orderly, and regular migration, legal pathways for students, academics, and researchers, and efforts to reduce brain drain. Leaders committed to addressing root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement through inclusive growth, regional stability, and diaspora engagement.
Follow-up and Monitoring
AU and EU leaders agreed on mechanisms to monitor implementation of summit commitments, including updating the Joint Monitoring Report and engaging civil society, youth, and the private sector. They announced that the 8th AU-EU Summit will be held in Brussels to review progress and chart future priorities.
Leaders expressed appreciation to Angola for hosting the summit and for its hospitality and organization.