Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001680/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew)
Many African countries yearn to take control of their economic future. The continent is experiencing unprecedented population growth: it will have a population of 2.5 billion by 2050, and an educated, connected and urbanised youth is emerging, in search of economic opportunities and industrialisation.
Dynamic economic hubs – such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco and Egypt – are asserting their desire for internally generated development, focusing on strategic sectors such as renewable energies, the digital sector, agro-industry and services. Africa is therefore seeking reciprocal economic partnerships that integrate investment, technology transfer, innovation and the development of local economies.
- 1.Given the rapid development of Africa’s economies and mounting global competition, can the Commission continue to rely solely on a development aid approach or should it bring about a paradigm shift, establishing genuine economic diplomacy that is more agile, more proactive and better coordinated, based on partnerships of equals with Africa?
- 2.Should the Commission not ensure a greater role for Europe’s private sector – often absent from the major Global Gateway operations – and improve financing and guarantee mechanisms for EU companies willing to invest on the African continent?
Submitted: 25.4.2025