Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jenelly Matundu, has called for a strengthened partnership between Africa and the European Union (EU) in different areas.

She made the call at the conclusion of the Third EU-AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, in preparation for the Seventh AU-EU Summit in 2025.

The deputy minister called for strengthened collaboration between Africa and the EU, particularly in infrastructure, industrialisation, and skills transfers, to support the continent’s growth in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063.

In a statement on Monday, the EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, said that Africa and Europe are not just neighbours but partners in progress with shared values and mutual interests, and that Africa and Europe stand to benefit from this partnership.

“Our shared values, mutual interests, and joint ambitions are captured in the Joint Vision for 2030, and we are making real strides in translating this vision into concrete outcomes. From sustainable investment to health, peace and education, we are building a partnership of equals that reflects the hopes of our 1.9 billion citizens,” she said.

During the meeting, the ministers reviewed achievements, set forward-looking priorities, and held discussions covering a wide array of shared interests, including sustainable energy transmissions, the Europe Investment Package, health security, scaling up global connectivity, and education.

The EU-AU partnership is also focused on people, with civil society organisations and youth from both continents participating in the civil society and youth forum held on 20 May.

The meeting was co-chaired by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Téte António, Minister of External Relations of Angola and chairperson of the AU Executive Council.