- The just-concluded African Union and European Union ministerial meeting has underlined the need for recasting Africa and Europe’s partnership in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Over 500 participants including 68 ministers attended the second edition of the summit.
The just-concluded African Union and European Union ministerial meeting has underlined the need for recasting Africa and Europe’s partnership in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 500 participants including 68 ministers attended the second edition of the summit.
The Summit came out with some major conclusions. It was agreed that there was a need to collaborate on the response to the pandemic particularly to bridge the vaccination gap in Africa. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security said that over 3 billion euros were contributed to the COVAX facility.
The construction of vaccine manufacturing facilities in Africa also was discussed. It was pointed out that Rwanda could soon host the continent’s premier manufacturing plant for mRNA-based vaccines. Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with BioNTech on Tuesday, October 26 in Kigali. The multi-billion-dollar facility will kick-start with a production capacity of 50 million vaccine doses.
The potential areas of cooperation between Africa and the EU to boost global sustainable growth through transition to a green, circular and climate-neutral economy and digital transformation were also reviewed. Promoting economic stimulus programs and mobilizing private and public investments with a high multiplier effect for economic recovery and job creation will be a priority for both sides. Both sides underlined the need to look at the medium to long-term structural challenges to ensure a stronger and more equal partnership. During the press conference, the leaders called for the resumption of consultations between civilians and the military.
