Why we should care about the AU–EU Summit in Angola

By Rune SKINNEBACH, EU Ambassador to Ghana

Two weeks ago Angola hosted one of the most consequential African Union–European Union Summits in years—an event that brought together 35 Heads of State and Government, alongside leaders from the UN, civil society, youth networks, and private sector. Rarely do so many decision-makers gather in one room. And when they do, outcomes shape the future—not only for diplomats and business leaders in Africa and Europe, but also for the everyday lives of people across Ghana.

The summit took place at a pivotal moment. The world is facing turbulent geopolitical headwinds: human tragedies from Ukraine to Sudan, trade wars affecting global supply chains, and allies that no longer act as allies should. It is therefore particularly befitting that the AU and EU reaffirmed that we believe in multilateralism—in solving problems together rather than turning inward.

Both AU and EU leaders made clear that the global architecture of 1945 no longer reflects today’s realities. Africa, representing 40% of UN membership, deserves a stronger voice in shaping global decisions. The EU and AU jointly called for a reformed UN Security Council, and a fairer international financial system. For Europe, this is not rhetoric: it is a strategic necessity. A more inclusive, legitimate, and effective multilateral system benefits everyone—Ghana included.

A Partnership of Equals—Not Donors and Recipients

This summit also decisively accelerated the shift from an old donor-recipient model to a partnership rooted in mutual respect, and shared interests. African leaders were clear: promises must translate into tangible impact on jobs, peace, mobility, and economic growth. Europe agrees.

The EU presents itself as a stable, predictable, and reliable partner—valued by African counterparts for its long-term commitment, not for creating dependency. Feedback on the Global Gateway Agenda—Europe’s €300 billion plan—was overwhelmingly positive, with calls for more delivery, faster. In Ghana, €1 billion in investments is already being delivered.

Ghana featured prominently at the summit through the active participation of the Vice-President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who announced that Ghana will soon host a major Conference on Violent Extremism—a significant opportunity for deeper AU-EU-Ghana cooperation. The Sahel remains the “epicentre of insecurity”, and Ghana appreciates the EU’s “Renewed Approach to the Sahel”. These are direct outcomes of a broader AU-EU strategic alignment whose effects will be felt far beyond the summit hall.

What about the Average Ghanaian?

Some Ghanaians understandably ask what a summit in Luanda has to do with their daily lives in Wa, Tamale, Takoradi, or Accra. The answer is simple: everything. Decisions taken at this summit unlock opportunities across Ghana’s economy, energy transition, digital innovation and youth development. Consider just a few examples:

Better Trade Conditions for Ghanaian Farmers – Simpler, fairer trade arrangements mean that farmers from Wa or Techiman can export more competitively to Europe’s massive market—boosting income for rural households.

Investment in Digitalisation and Youth Innovation – New AU–EU commitments on digital infrastructure support young innovators in Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra to expand their start-ups, improve connectivity, and build skills for tomorrow’s digital economy.

Major Infrastructure Investments Under Global Gateway – Europe’s flagship investment programme is delivering transformational projects in Ghana: In Upper West, a cutting-edge solar park in Kaleo is expanding renewable power generation. In Eastern Region, rehabilitation of the Kpong Dam will boost clean energy, protect local communities, and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. These are concrete, visible improvements—not abstract diplomacy.

Stronger Cooperation on Peace and Security – Europe’s long-term commitment to peace, security, and good governance in West Africa directly reinforces Ghana’s own stability. From Sahel counter-terrorism cooperation to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana benefits when partners coordinate and invest in the region’s safety.

New Mobility, Skills, and Youth Opportunities – The summit spotlighted joint work on education, skills development, circular mobility, and new legal migration pathways—critical for Ghana’s young population seeking opportunities at home and abroad.

Above all, this summit sent a powerful message: the EU and Africa are moving ever closer, not further apart, and moving forward as architects of the future we share.

Now Comes the Hard Part: Delivery

The summit ended not with self-congratulation but with commitments. A Joint Declaration was adopted, outlining concrete sectoral cooperation plans to be finalised within six months. Leaders agreed on improved monitoring so that promises become reality at speed.

High-level summits may sometimes appear distant. But the future being shaped in these rooms belongs as much to Ghanaians as it does to Europeans. And that is why every Ghanaian should care about the AU-EU Summit.

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