EU chief has unveiled a record investment pledge for Africa, a week away from the sixth European Union- African Union summit.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, that more than 171-billion-dollar investment plan for Africa as she met with president Macky Sall.
“Today I am proud to announce more than one hundred seventy-one billion dollars through the Africa-Europe programme, she said. This is the very first regional plan under Global Gateway, two months after the launch of the scheme. It will be led by the European team and implemented in partnership with you.“ However, Ursula Von der Leyen did not offer details about how the money would be raised or spent.
The chairperson of the African Union, Macky Sall welcomed the annoucement: “Europe and Africa should work together, firstly because of our geographical proximity, the peace and stability of our two continents are closely linked. Secondly, with its human and natural resources and its development needs, Africa offers Europe opportunities for investment and partnerships for shared growth and prosperity.“
The multi-billion dollars’ investment is part of the EU investment scheme for infrastructure.
The European Union’s Global Gateway investment scheme, which aims to mobilise investments of up to 340 billion dollars for public and private infrastructure around the world by 2027.
It is seen by some as a response to China’s Belt and Road initiative that the scheme will draw on private-sector investments as well as funding from EU institutions and member countries.
The EU chief arrived in Senegal on Wednesday to prepare for the AU summit scheduled on February 17-18. “At the summit, investments will be at the heart of the discussions because they are the means of our shared ambition,” von der Leyen said.
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