AU-EU partnership: climate action is priority as an environmental imperative and to unlock prosperity

“Climate is an imperative” because “the world is on fire”, communities are “suffering severe droughts”, it is “the air we breathe” and our livelihoods, and it amplifies “migration and security crises”. Working on climate is also key to driving innovative and prosperous societies, creating new jobs and business opportunities. And there are good examples of how the AU-EU partnership is already delivering on it. These are some of the testimonies you can watch here https://youtu.be/ItxY2fCujCI   

Africa has the potential to be a driving force in the global climate transition by harnessing its abundant renewable energy resources and empowering its young population to drive innovation. The EU is the world’s largest climate finance contributor and has cut emissions by 37% since 1990, with ambitious targets set to –55% for 2030, and climate neutrality by 2050. Together, Africa and the EU advance mitigation and adaptation, address biodiversity loss, aiming to strengthen resilience and to enable a sustainable development path. People in Africa and Europe feel every day the devastating impact of climate change. Yet, Africa and the EU together account for only around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why, ten years after the Paris Agreement, greater efforts are still needed towards jointly activating more international partners to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach and secure a successful outcome at COP30 in Brazil.

In this perspective, EU-Africa collaboration on climate action is exemplary. It encompasses many initiatives, such as the Continental Energy Programme in Africa (CEPA) - supporting both the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the African Energy Efficiency Strategy (AfEES) -, the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa - launched by Moses Vilakati and Jessika Roswall, respectively AU and EU Commissioners -, the Mission Soil Manifesto - signed by AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati and EU Commissioner Christophe Hansen -, the Team Europe Initiative on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Africa, as well as working together on access to clean and affordable energy, greening the financial system, water management, carbon markets (watch the High Level Dialogue from minute 35.00) and deforestation free value chains. 

Large investments on climate action, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and food systems, on blue economy, as well as, on the transition from a linear to a competitive circular economy, all across the continent, are part of the EU–Africa Global Gateway Investment Package. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the “Scaling up Renewables in Africa” pledging campaign to accelerate renewables projects, expand access to affordable energy and cut emissions. 

These initiatives highlight the comprehensive and reliable commitment to advancing climate action under the AU-EU partnership. This is yet another concrete example of how multilateralism delivers concrete results in tackling a shared threat and building together a better future for all. 

Background:

• African Union at ACS

• European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera and Team Europe Pavilion at ACS2

• The AU and the EU launched a year-long celebration marking the 25th anniversary of their enduring and unique partnership - #AUEU25

• The Joint Vision for 2030 agreed by African and European leaders at their last AU-EU Summit in 2022 guides the AU-EU Partnership to be a driving force in promoting our common priorities and shared values. 

• 2025 is a milestone year with the 3^rd EU-AU Ministerial held in Brussels, Belgium on 21 May and at the 7^th AU-EU Summit set for 24-25 November in Luanda, Angola.  

• Global Gateway in Africa: EUR 150 billion worth of investments for a strong, inclusive, green and digital Africa: article, X, Instagram, Facebook, flagship projects

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