The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, promised on Thursday 10 February 2022, to mobilise more than 150 billion Euros of investments in Africa.
The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced in Dakar, Senegal, in a press briefing, more than 150 billion Euros of investments in the African continent.
“Today I am proud to announce more than 150 billion Euros through the Africa-Europe program. This is the first ever regional plan two months after the launch of the Global Gateway strategy,” she said.
Global Gateway is about investing in strategic infrastructure, industry, health, youth and education. The latter will have an important place in this program.
To achieve this program, the contribution of all parties is necessary. “We need the private sector, its expertise and its strong investment. We also need political will at the highest level to see the projects through. And above all we need the support of citizens, local authorities and parliaments,” warned Ursula von der Leyen,
She revealed this important funding on the eve of the African Union-European Union Summit. It takes place from 17 to 18 February in Brussels, Belgium. It will be an opportunity to discuss European investment in Africa.
The European Union expects concrete proposals on creating an area of stability and prosperity during this so-called Investment Summit.
Values such as transparency, sustainability, good governance and concern for the well-being of the people will continue to have a place in this multilateral cooperation.
By increasing its investments, Europe seeks to reduce Chinese influence in Africa. For these Asians, the domestic politics of the recipient states are relegated to the background.
Gérard Rugambwa
