The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) took center stage at the 3rd African Union-European Union Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, as ministers from both blocs framed the landmark trade pact as the cornerstone of their joint strategy to drive investment, deepen value chains and create jobs—especially for youth and women.
Held under the co-chairmanship of EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and Angola’s Foreign Minister Tete António, the gathering marked 25 years of EU-AU partnership and renewed efforts to align policy around economic integration and sustainable development.
African and European leaders endorsed AfCFTA as a pivotal mechanism to unlock the continent’s economic potential. They highlighted its role in fostering intra-African trade, streamlining customs procedures, and scaling up cross-border value addition.
“The establishment of a continental free trade area is essential for prosperity on both continents,” Mr. António said, adding that the initiative would help diversify trade and expand high-value exports.
European ministers echoed that sentiment, framing AfCFTA as an economic multiplier that aligns with the EU’s €150 billion Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package.
The package, which spans 11 priority sectors including energy, health, infrastructure, and digitalization, is already showing traction, according to the joint communique.
The Global Gateway strategy was lauded for its flagship projects, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen facilities, regional transport corridors, and secure digital connectivity.
These initiatives are being coordinated under the Team Europe approach and are designed to dovetail with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ministers underscored that AfCFTA and Global Gateway are mutually reinforcing. By boosting physical and digital infrastructure, the EU aims to enhance Africa’s capacity to trade competitively within its own borders and with global partners.
The linkages are expected to stimulate inclusive growth, improve the business environment, and create decent jobs.
One senior EU official said the partnership “is moving from pledges to projects,” pointing to increased capital mobilization, blended finance initiatives, and co-financed ventures with institutions like the African Development Bank and World Bank.
Ministers also recognized AfCFTA’s potential to empower small and medium enterprises, attract foreign direct investment, and foster industrialization. Special emphasis was placed on sectors with high employment potential such as agribusiness, green energy, and digital services.
The meeting reaffirmed commitments to remove trade bottlenecks, strengthen legal frameworks, and promote regional supply chains. Capacity-building efforts and policy alignment on standards and certifications were highlighted as critical to making AfCFTA operational and inclusive.
The summit concluded with both sides agreeing to further integrate trade, investment, and development cooperation through regular monitoring and follow-up mechanisms. The outcomes of this ministerial will inform the agenda of the 7th AU-EU Summit, to be hosted in Africa later this year.
“The future lies in deeper cooperation,” Ms. Kallas said.
She reflected a shared conviction that trade integration and strategic investments are vital levers for sustainable prosperity across both continents.
