The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has called for more balanced trade partnerships and the lifting of any tariff or non-tariff barrier hampering the access of African products to the European market.
The chairperson made the call at the 7th African Union-European Union AU-EU Summit that kicked off in Luanda, Angola, according to AU’s statement issued on Monday.
Youssouf said Africa will soon become the powerhouse of the world driven by its abundant market, manpower and natural resources.
He said Africa is making progress to be a key player in the different stages of the global value chain.
“The AU commission calls for a stronger and more viable multilateralism based on equality, respect for all nations and advancing the common vitals global interests,”
The Chairperson underscored that Africa brings not only vast resources to AU-EU partnership, but also demographic dynamism, technological ambition, and a vibrant generation of innovators.
“May this Luanda Summit enable us to achieve our shared vision for peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples across the two continents,” he said.
He said Europe can contribute capital, technology and institutional cooperation and by aligning these strengths around shared priorities that include digital transformation and youth empowerment, both continents can shape a more prosperous future.
“We can make this journey together for the sake of uplifting our shared humanity over selfishness and narrow-minded protectionism,” Youssouf said.
Youssouf further emphasized the need for scaled, predictable, and equitable financing to fully realise their common goals.
MG/as/APA