Closing speech by President von der Leyen at the 6th European Union-African Union Summit
President Ursula von der Leyen just delivered her closing speech at the 6th European Union – African Union Summit.
She presented a number of Team Europe Initiatives under the new Global Gateway Investment Package to boost public and private investment in Africa.
During her closing speech, President von der Leyen said:
“Now is the time to turn our shared vision into reality. It is the time to become operational.
On Europe’s side, Global Gateway responds to this. Never before has Europe had a global investment strategy, and never before have we put on the table such a sizeable and ambitious package with Africa.
We will work together as of tomorrow to develop strategic projects with transformative impact.
I have proposed that we prioritise our action in the following: in infrastructure, with a focus on energy, digital and transport interconnection.
Our objectives are greater access to electricity through the expansion of regional power grids, and the development of hydrogen capacity. Greater internet access via submarine cables linking Europe and Africa, and terrestrial cables across Africa’s regions.
The construction of strategic transport corridors across the continent to enhance mobility and develop continental supply chains.
These investments will go a long way to contribute to the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
In education, the focus is on technical vocation and education training and on youth entrepreneurship.
Africa’s youth wants to shape their future and their continent. Let’s give them the skills that are sought after in industries and services. Let’s provide financial and technical support to young entrepreneurs who are setting up start-ups and small and medium sized businesses. This will be our focus.
In health, the focus is on the delivery of vaccines and their rollout and on Africa’s local vaccine production capacity. The motto is: mRNA technology for the continent. And not to forget the strengthening of health systems.”