EU Trade Diplomacy Towards Africa

The focus of cooperation should shift to two key areas: the digital economy and green hydrogen. Africa holds immense potential, but projects frequently fail due to a lack of investment security, unclear regulations, and European self-restraint. “To remain a relevant global actor and step up its influence in the international arena, the EU should boost its diplomatic and economic ties with Africa and build strategic partnerships with African countries, based on mutual respect, flexibility, and shared ownership,” says Eleonora Poli, economist at cep Italy and co-author of the study.

The cep calls for a shift in European trade policy - from normative overreach to pragmatic cooperation. This requires a holistic partnership strategy that goes beyond tariff issues and focuses on establishing joint value chains for future technologies“. To reduce the inhibiting effect of political risks, the EU should promote the necessary investments by providing risk-absorbing support instruments,” explains André Wolf, economist at cep. This includes export credit guarantees, public purchase agreements, and targeted regulatory dialogues to secure long-term investments and enable structural collaboration.

Those who want to win Africa as a partner must think strategically, share risks and be willing to invest in joint progress.