RenewPac Abidjan 2025

The Future is young: EU - Africa's Promising Horizon

This chapter captures the vibrant and dynamic discussions that took place during the pitch session at the Renew PAC Summit in Abidjan in February 2025. The participants – ranging from ministers and parliamentarians to diplomats, youth organisations, and political think tanks – united under a shared commitment to improving European–African relations and developing even stronger ties within the Afro-European liberal family. A central theme emerged: the urgency of fostering a closer, more trust-based partnership between Europe and Africa. As one participant from West Africa emphasised, the focus should be on building relationships between people, not just between nations. This sentiment underscored the need for a people-centred approach to diplomacy and collaboration.

The majority of ideas raised during the session revolved around the transformative potential of youth, education, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. These areas were seen as foundational to overcoming historical divides and building a future where both continents could thrive together. There was a strong consensus on the vital role women should play in this process, with many participants stressing the need for policies that empower women and promote gender equality.

 One of the most compelling ideas put forward was the notion of socio cultural exchanges. It was suggested that these exchanges could act as a powerful tool for breaking down cultural misunderstandings and fostering mutual respect. Drawing an analogy, a European parliamentarian said the relationship between Africa and Europe should be like a marriage of equals, highlighting that sustainability in this relationship would require a fundamental shift towards equality and mutual respect.

Education and youth programmes were identified as key drivers for bridging the gap between the two continents. The idea of an extended Erasmus programme, combining cultural exchange and academic learning, was widely endorsed. Participants also proposed an obligatory programme for European youth to spend a few months in Africa and vice versa, with the goal of creating new, common narratives and thus overcoming the lasting impacts of colonialism.

Other concrete suggestions included the establishment of joint research centres, co-owned and co-managed by the EU and the African Union (AU), to facilitate direct knowledge exchange. Additionally, networks such as those promoted by political foundations like the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, internships, and online platforms were identified as crucial tools for broadening educational and professional opportunities across borders. The idea of a parliamentary exchange programme was also considered.

While much of the focus was on mutual learning, some African voices raised the importance of self-representation. These participants argued that Africa, particularly African women, needed to take a more active role in shaping their image on the international stage. They pointed out that stereotypes and societal barriers still limit the perception of Africa, and they emphasised the need for a collective effort to break down these prejudices.

 The discussions also touched on the historical context of European– African relations. The colonial past, followed by more subtle power dynamics tied to exploitation, has often overshadowed the potential for true partnership. However, the participants agreed that the current moment is ripe for a shift. The focus should now be on economic collaboration based on the principle of win–win partnerships rather than traditional aid-based relationships.

The idea of a European–African Union was presented as a bold vision for the future. Drawing inspiration from Europe’s post-war transformation, where former adversaries united to create a powerful economic and political bloc, the proposal called for Africa and Europe to forge a similar path. Instead of being caught in the rivalry between global powers such as the United States, Russia, and China, the two continents should see their growing importance on the world stage as an opportunity to strengthen their partnership and build a more powerful, unified presence.

Ultimately, the pitch session emphasised the need for a redefined partnership between Europe and Africa, grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to addressing the challenges of the present while looking towards a more collaborative future. The exchange of ideas at Renew PAC highlighted the potential for a transformative relationship built on equality, mutual understanding, and joint action.

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