There is no doubt that the recently concluded fourth EU-Africa summit was a tremendous success, not only in terms of the high-level participation involved, but more importantly because it adopted a clear set of priorities focusing on current challenges facing both continents. Both continents have acknowledged the inter-dependence of their relations and the need to use each other's strengths for mutual benefit. This led to the realisation that the partnership has to be repositioned in line with the ever-changing global environment and the expectations of both regions for meaningful political and socioeconomic cooperation.
It is appropriate that one year after the historic Jubilee celebration of decolonisation and African unity, the paradigm of the partnership with Europe has changed from the erstwhile donor-recipient dependency model to one based on mutual respect and advantage. Trade, investment and cooperation should be the drivers of this partnership. While the asymmetry in the relationship can never be corrected at the stroke of a pen, deliberate measures ought to be taken to ensure that ours is truly a partnership of equals.
"As Africa embarks upon the path towards industrialisation and modernisation of the enterprise sector, it is essential that partners such as the EU adopt a multi-dimensional developmental approach in their relations with Africa"
The trajectory and fortunes of both continents have been mixed in the recent past. In contrast to Europe, which has been affected by the eurozone economic crisis, Africa has experienced astounding positive growth momentum. Africa is now recognised as the new frontier of growth. Eight of the fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa. The key reasons behind this growth surge include government action to end armed conflicts, improve macroeconomic conditions, and undertake microeconomic reforms to create a better business climate. These developments take place at a time when Africa is resolutely pursuing its plan of continental economic integration. As Africa embarks upon the path towards industrialisation and modernisation of the enterprise sector, it is essential that partners such as the EU adopt a multi-dimensional developmental approach in their relations with Africa. Prospects for 'win-win outcomes' are greater in such an approach rather than a strictly mercantilist one. This will also go a long way in reinforcing a more sustainable model of partnership, based on growth, development and prosperity.
The commitment made by Europe to provide continued support for peace operations in Africa through the African peace facility is most appreciated as it will be vital in supporting the African Union Jubilee summit's decision to 'silence the guns by 2020'. It will complement our efforts aimed at ensuring Africa takes primary responsibility for peace-making and peace missions on the continent.
As far as the joint programmes are concerned, a critical assessment has to be made of the institutional difficulties that have hindered the implementation of the joint strategy and its previous plans of action, and find innovative ways for revitalising the cooperation. To achieve this, two things need to be done. First, there must be an assessment of the joint Africa-EU strategy and the eight thematic partnerships. This will highlight what the Africa-EU partnership has achieved so far and what concrete steps should be taken to move towards a more effective political dialogue and achieve tangible results. Second, a new institutional architecture that will govern the implementation of the roadmap 2014-2017 is needed. In this regard, regular dialogue at high and at ministerial level, focusing on the keys priorities and flagship projects from the Brussels roadmap would be essential to ensure tangible results. Overall, it would be particularly important to give consideration to the reactivation of the joint troika meetings and sectoral ministerial meetings as well as regular joint expert/senior officials meetings. In so doing we can strengthen the foundation for a more meaningful and sustainable partnership for development, growth and prosperity for our two peoples.