The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. @JozefSikela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The Chairperson underscored the enduring strength of the AU–EU strategic partnership, as reaffirmed at the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda in November 2023. He highlighted the EU as a key & reliable partner, whose cooperation with Africa spans priority areas including trade, investment, infrastructure development, & peace & security.

He emphasised the importance of advancing a mutually beneficial economic partnership, calling for enhanced EU investment in value addition - industrialisation on the continent, as well as improved market access for Africa’s processed goods.

The Chairperson further underscored the need to operationalise joint monitoring mechanisms in line with the outcomes of the 7th AU–EU Summit, to ensure effective implementation & accountability.

Commissioner Jozef Síkela reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to aligning its partnerships with Africa’s development priorities, particularly as articulated in Agenda 2063. He stressed that industrialisation remains central to sustainable job creation, economic resilience, & long-term stability.

Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to deepening the AU–EU partnership, anchored in mutual respect, shared values, & enhanced & effective multilateralism.