Africa in the World Series: Africa-Europe Relations | Next Steps after The Angola Summit

Описание: APRI, in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), convened the second edition of our flagship Africa in the World Series in Berlin to examine how Africa–Europe relations can adapt to a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape following the Angola Summit.

The Conversation
Opening the event, Dr. Henrik Maihack, Head of Africa Department at FES stated that the AU–EU relationship should not be interpreted through the narrow lens of geopolitical competition. Instead, he underscored the extraordinary potential of 82 (AU+EU) countries that stand to gain from a strengthened, multilateral partnership.

APRI Executive Director, Dr. Olumide Abimbola, then highlighted that meaningful cooperation requires moving beyond persistent narratives that view Africa as a continent to be “fixed.” He stressed the importance of mutual respect, strategic clarity, and implementation, particularly as Europe seeks to position itself as a reliable partner.

In the plenary discussions, speakers flagged the need for Africa’s assertiveness, Europe’s responsibility to shift from aid-driven approaches to impact-focused investment, and the centrality of industrialisation, job creation, and migration to both continents’ interests. Panelists also noted that the African Union possesses robust peace and security frameworks, with implementation - supported through long-term partnerships - remaining the key challenge.

Speakers felt that the EU can play a more effective role by aligning its support with African-led priorities, engaging consistently on sensitive issues, and committing to long-term, institution-strengthening approaches rather than short project cycles.

The event also held two parallel breakout sessions, before concluding with a second plenary discussion.

APRI thanks all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing and we are excited for the next iteration of this series!

This event was held under the auspices of APRI’s Geopolitics and Geoeconomics program.