European and African leaders met in Angola on Monday for a major summit aimed at improving economic and security cooperation between the two continents. The meeting also provided an opportunity for urgent talks on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Before the main summit began, European Union leaders held a quick emergency meeting at a hotel in Luanda. They discussed a new U.S. proposal to end the Ukraine war—a plan that Europe and Ukraine believe gives Russia too much advantage.
After the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the discussions made progress, but more work is still needed.
Later, EU leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Donald Tusk, joined African heads of state at the conference center. Angola’s President Joao Lourenço hosted the event, welcoming leaders such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Ramaphosa said the partnership between Africa and Europe must continue to grow. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added that cooperation between the two continents should remain central in global affairs.
This two-day gathering marks 25 years of EU–African Union cooperation. Leaders said the partnership needs fresh ideas if Europe wants to stay Africa’s preferred development and trade partner—especially as China, Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Gulf states increase their influence in Africa.
Von der Leyen said Europe and Africa must work together to build modern industries, develop talent, and reduce risky economic dependencies. She stressed that Africa’s minerals and energy resources make it a key partner in Europe’s green transition.
Africa holds many critical minerals needed for electric cars, batteries, and other technologies. Because of this, global powers are competing for stronger ties with African countries.
Experts say African nations now have more bargaining power because they have many partners to choose from. They want Europe to invest more in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing rather than offering repeated promises that lead nowhere.
AU spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh said Africa wants “credible, implementable commitments,” not just declarations.
Boosting trade between Africa and Europe was another top focus. Currently, trade within Africa is low—only about 15% of global trade—so the EU plans to support African free trade efforts. European leaders also want access to rare minerals to reduce their dependence on China.
The EU showcased several major investments, including the Global Gateway programme, an initiative meant to rival China’s Belt and Road projects.
One flagship project is the Lobito Corridor railway in Angola, built together with the United States. The railway will link mineral-rich areas of Zambia and the DRC to the Atlantic Ocean, making it easier to export goods.
However, critics say Europe must prove that these projects benefit African people, not just European interests. Some fear the projects repeat old colonial patterns of extracting resources without improving local communities.
Ikemesit Effiong of SBM Intelligence, a Nigerian consulting firm, said Europe’s credibility now depends on whether its investments create real value in Africa.
The summit continues Tuesday, with leaders expected to announce new agreements and outline the next steps for cooperation in trade, minerals, energy, and security.
