The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have renewed their commitment to a deeper political and economic partnership during the 7th AU–EU Summit held in Luanda, Angola, on 24 to 25 November 2025.
The high-level gathering marked 25 years since the first summit in Cairo and brought together Heads of State and Government from both continents to review progress and set new priorities for cooperation.
Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr. John Nchimbi, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was among the African leaders who attended the two-day meeting. He was accompanied by Zanzibar’s Minister of Labour and Investment, Sharif Sharif, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ngwaru Maghembe, and other senior foreign service officials.
During the summit, leaders celebrated what they described as a “unique and strategic partnership” that has strengthened over the years, supporting Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A key highlight for African countries, including Tanzania, was the renewed focus on boosting industrialisation, expanding regional trade, and accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The EU pledged continued investment through its Global Gateway initiative, including support for major infrastructure corridors such as the Lobito Corridor, as well as investments in renewable energy to help millions of Africans gain access to clean electricity.
Peace and security featured prominently, with leaders expressing concern over ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and the Sahel. Both sides reiterated their support for African-led peace initiatives and called for strengthened international backing, including predictable UN funding for AU peace missions.
On migration, the summit endorsed a balanced approach aimed at promoting safe and legal mobility, combating human trafficking, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration. The AU and EU also agreed to enhance cooperation in education, health, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
The summit concluded with a commitment to strengthen monitoring of all agreed actions and to reconvene in Brussels for the next AU–EU Summit to review progress.
