EUROCHAMBRES welcomes the comprehensive new EU Africa Strategy

The new comprehensive Africa Strategy was presented today by the European Commission and proposes measures to increase cooperation with the African continent in five different areas. In line with the new EU strategy, EUROCHAMBRES believes Europe needs to invest ever more in a strong and comprehensive partnership that is able to create new opportunities for sustainable growth, and joint partnerships to help tackle global problems.

According to the President of EUROCHAMBRES, Christoph Leitl, the new comprehensive Africa Strategy is the right step at the right time to step up our collaboration. “Africa is a continent of opportunity and an increasingly attractive market for European investments. Better framework conditions for sustainable investments, encouraging market integration, a strong focus on skills and education, as well as empowering the private sector on both sides to deliver long term sustainable growth will be key to make the Strategy a success and bettering life perspectives in Africa”, said Leitl.

Towards realizing a more mature EU-Africa partnership, EUROCHAMBRES believes Europe needs to further encourage more dynamic private sector activities, including in a close partnership with the public sector. At the same time, measures to further control and reduce risks for European investments, barrier reductions to and within the African economies, sharing of knowledge and skills such as on vocational education and apprenticeship schemes, stimulate the development of sustainable energy, and promote and use the digital economy to better integrate our African economies and societies are crucial elements for the future bi-regional partnership.
In all the implementation actions of the new EU Africa Strategy, particular attention must be paid to the priorities and needs of SME’s and their role in helping bring sustainable and lasting development for our economies.

ECCI is a member of Eurochambers.