Make the EU-Africa axis count on a global scale Bridging the Divide: Translating Ambitions into Tangible Outcomes

Editorial — Making the EU–Africa Axis a Tangible Reality

For too long, the relationship between Europe and Africa has oscillated between ambitious declarations and slow implementation. The intentions are there, the promises too. But the time for speeches is over – it is time for action.

The two continents are more interdependent than ever. Climate crises, geopolitical tensions, digital and energy transitions: the challenges are shared, as are the opportunities. Making the EU–Africa axis a pillar of the new global order now depends on one thing: delivering visible results.

On the ground, encouraging signs are emerging. Partnerships in green hydrogen, clean energy and infrastructure are taking shape. New digital and transport corridors are developing. Innovative financial instruments are being deployed to attract private investment. With the Global Gateway, Europe aims to prove that it can invest differently – sustainably, transparently, and in line with Africa’s own priorities.

Yet, turning ambition into action remains difficult. Too many projects still get lost in administrative complexity, unstable frameworks, or slow financial procedures. The partnership will only gain credibility when it translates into concrete achievements: connected networks, supported local enterprises, and real jobs created.

The digital divide perfectly illustrates this challenge. Africa is moving fast with young entrepreneurs, fintech solutions, and mobile-based innovation, yet infrastructure and connectivity lag behind. Europe has a key role to play in supporting Africa’s digital transformation by sharing its experience in regulation, cybersecurity, and data governance. But in doing so, Africa can also learn from Europe’s own mistakes. Overregulation in the EU has sometimes hindered B2B innovation; Africa has the opportunity to adopt a more balanced approach – ensuring consumer protection without stifling digital entrepreneurship and businessdriven growth. Building a Euro–African digital space based on trust and sovereignty would send a strong signal of a genuine partnership between equals.

Energy is another key priority. While over 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity, the continent holds vast renewable potential – solar, wind, and hydropower. The challenge is to make this transition a driver of local development, not just a new export market. That means technology transfers, skills development, and integrating value chains within Africa. The continent’s demographic strength – with 60% of its population under 25 – is an extraordinary asset. But this advantage will only materialise if massive investments are made in education, vocational training, and technical expertise.

Beyond specific sectors, success depends on one central factor: trust. For too long, cooperation has been viewed through the lens of aid. But Africa no longer seeks more assistance – it seeks an equal partnership based on shared responsibility. Europe, in turn, must see Africa as a strategic actor, essential to its own stability and prosperity.

The world is changing. Geopolitical balances are shifting. In this context, the Euro–African relationship can become a force for balance – a model of cooperation grounded in sustainability, solidarity, and innovation.

To make the EU–Africa axis truly count on a global scale means giving it weight where it matters most: on the ground, in projects, and in the lives of citizens. It means building real bridges – energy, digital, and human – between two continents that now share a common destiny.

The tools are there, and so is the will. What is needed now is implementation worthy of the ambition. The future of this partnership will no longer be measured by the strength of words, but by the reality of results.

Editor-in-Chief 

Laurent ULMANN