By 
Brussels 2022: When Africa, Europe talked
By John Eche
Leaders from Africa and Europe have just risen from a summit in Brussels involving both regions. It was one that featured the likes of European Commission, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of South Africa, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.
Arising from their talks, the EU and the African Union (AU) resolved to set up a €150 billion European investment strategy and increased aid to produce vaccines against Covid in Africa.
In addition, the Europeans are also exploring a resolution on the calls for a greater reallocation to Africans of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) special drawing rights for rich countries. It was the 6th summit of the two organisations that had 27 countries in attendance and the talks were centred around issues of solidarity, security, peace and sustainable economic development.
On the 150 billion euros that is expected to be deployed to the continent over a span of seven years, the idea is to “help projects wanted and carried by Africans.” These would include projects in transport infrastructure, digital networks and energy. But they are also expected to be carried out within a framework of “accountable, transparent and inclusive governance”.
Some other conclusions include:
Helping African countries produce messenger RNA vaccines on their soil while the EU will also mobilise €425 million to speed up vaccination campaigns by supporting the distribution of doses and the training of medical teams.
A programme of controlled transfer of technology by the EU to Africa
“Voluntary and ambitious contributions” from rich countries, which can redistribute to Africans their Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
A pledge to support peace missions and operations led by African forces, by training them and strengthening their equipment and capabilities.
Comments