The African Union AU and European Union EU partnership marks its 25th anniversary this year, dating back to the first Africa Europe Summit held in Cairo on April 3-4, 2000.
This alliance represents nearly 1.9 billion people across both continents and is founded on shared values, mutual interests, and multilateral cooperation.
Both unions are working toward sustainable development through the Joint Vision for 2030, which aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities.
In preparation for the upcoming Ministerial meeting on May 21, 2025, in Brussels, which will gather approximately 80 governments and new leadership from both unions, and the 7th AU-EU Summit in Africa later this year, the two organisations have launched a year-long campaign #AUEU25.
The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package is a key initiative which pledges USD 150 billion to support Africa’s recovery and transformation.
This European investment strategy aims to create smart, clean, and secure connections in digital and other sectors, helping partner countries address digital divides while promoting sustainable development.
During the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, Space in Africa interviewed H.E. Javier Niño Pérez, European Union Ambassador to the African Union, discussing the long standing relationship between the two unions, current and future space collaboration initiatives, and insights into various joint programmes.
The AfricaSpace aims to build institutional capacity within AfSA and regional bodies, showcasing the value of space based solutions such as early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and agricultural monitoring to secure financial commitments from African governments.
Endorsements such as the African Space Policy and the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change support the integration of space funding into national and regional budgets.
As we embark on this journey together, we set a precedent for future partnerships.
We are showing the world that when the EU and Africa unite our strengths and resources, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2025/04/30/africa-eu-partnership-25-years-of-collaboration-and-the-future-of-space-cooperation/
