RENEWEPAC

A win-win policy for Africa and Europe

From 7–9 April 2026, political leaders, policymakers and young changemakers from across Africa and Europe will gather in Rabat, Morocco, for the RENEWPAC Summit 2026. The annual gathering brings together liberal and progressive voices from both continents to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore practical responses to shared challenges.

This year’s summit will take place under the theme “Resilience and Renewal”, focusing on four key areas shaping the future of Africa–Europe relations: governance and security, sustainable growth and trade, climate and energy, and digital and health connectivity. The aim is to foster a modern and more equal partnership between the two continents.

The summit is organised annually by Renew Europe in cooperation with a local partner. In 2026, the Moroccan Party for Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) will host the event. Over three days, participants will take part in a range of high-level discussions, informal exchanges and interactive sessions designed to strengthen cooperation among liberal actors across Africa and Europe.

The summit is co-chaired by Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Member of the European Parliament from Germany, and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth and a member of PAM. Among the expected participants are Valérie Hayer, President of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, Dan Barna, Vice President of ALDE, as well as parliamentarians and political leaders from numerous African and European countries.

A number of liberal organisations and networks are supporting the summit, including the African Liberal Network (ALN), Liberal International (LI), the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), the African Liberal Youth Forum (ALYF) and the European Liberal Forum (ELF).

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), a long-standing partner of the summit, will play an active role in several parts of the programme. This includes moderating and organising the opening “Next Big Idea Europe–Africa” pitch session, accompanying a delegation of African parliamentarians from Mozambique, Seychelles, Zambia and South Africa, and organising a Liberal Youth Forum.

Putting young leaders at the centre

A key focus of FNF’s contribution this year is youth participation in politics. Despite growing political engagement among young people across both continents, many still face barriers within traditional political structures. Limited visibility and opportunities for advancement often lead to frustration, with some young people disengaging from politics altogether or turning towards more extreme movements.

The RENEWPAC Summit offers an opportunity to change that narrative.

Through the Liberal Youth Forum, around 30 young leaders from countries including Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco, Portugal and Germany will come together to explore the role of liberalism in addressing issues that deeply affect younger generations, from populism and armed conflict to migration and political participation.

The forum also highlights strong international collaboration. Six members from Germany’s Young Liberals (JuLis) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) will take part. With one of the largest national delegations, Germany’s participation underscores the importance of strengthening connections between young political leaders from Europe and Africa.

The Liberal Youth Forum is made possible through the collaboration of FNF’s offices across Africa and the European initiative WYDE.

By creating space for dialogue, collaboration and fresh ideas, the RENEWPAC Summit continues to strengthen liberal networks and promote constructive Africa–Europe engagement for the years ahead.