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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
EU and Italy announce major debt-relief deal for Africa
Italy is working with the European Union on a debt-relief plan for African countries, as part of its broader push to foster development on the continent and address the root causes of irregular migration. " The entire 10-year operation will allow us to convert some 235 million euros ($270.67 million) of debt into development projects to be implemented locally," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said. In addition to the EU-led efforts, Italy is advancing its strategic framework, the Mattei Plan for Africa, which aims to accelerate growth in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure across African nations, according to Reuters. The European Union's involvement complements these efforts through its Global Gateway strategy, launched in 2021 to foster sustainable, high-standard investment as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. One of the flagship projects under this collaboration is funding for a new transport corridor connecting Angola's Lobito port with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a crucial mineral export route. "Investing in infrastructure is not just building railways, bridges and dams. It is also investing in training for local workers because that builds capacity and that is how transfer of expertise happens. And this results in positive spillovers all across the local economies of Africa. There is no better example than our work on the Lobito corridor," President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said. Meloni also stressed the urgency of addressing Africa's growing debt burden, warning it could 'undermine all other efforts' toward inclusive and sustainable development if left unaddressed. She revealed that a new initiative is being developed to reduce the debt load of low- and middle-income African countries by up to 50%. While she did not provide specific details, she emphasized that addressing debt was central to Italy's broader strategy for fostering long-term growth and stability in Africa.
Euronews
06-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU launches global digital strategy to build tech alliances
The EU published a digital strategy on Thursday to diversify and expand digital alliances with "like-minded partners" such as Japan, South Korea, Canada and India, but no mention was made of the US. This year, digital trade agreements with Singapore and South Korea were signed to facilitate data flows - despite critics warning it could pave the way for threats to personal data. The bloc also plans to structure its growing diplomatic network through the creation of a Digital Partnership Network, aimed at connecting these relationships in a more strategic and coordinated way. But while the strategy highlights a wide array of partners, the absence of references to further meeting under the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) with the United States was notable. This forum of discussion between the two blocs on trade and technology was created in 2020 to de-escalate tensions during US President Donald Trump's first mandate. Quizzed by Euronews on the future of the TTC, Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen replied that trade negotiations were currently the priority - without elaborating. While the EU's other big tech competitor, China, is also absent from the strategy – Virkkunen said that digital cooperation will be discussed during the July 2025 EU-China summit. In its immediate neighbourhood, the bloc is prioritising integration with the EU Digital Single Market notably for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans – to assist integration into the EU. These countries will benefit from support to align with EU rules on areas such as digital identity, secure infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, paving the way for potential mutual recognition of digital services. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the strategy builds on the Global Gateway initiative, the EU's strategic response to China's Belt and Road adopted in 2021. Through this framework, the EU is co-financing the deployment of secure submarine cables, AI factories, and digital public infrastructure, while, according to Commissioner Virkkunen, promoting European tech standards and regulatory models abroad. The Commission said that they will move forward with the implementation of new digital partnerships, including preparations for agreements with countries in the Southern Neighbourhood and sub-Saharan Africa. A dedicated Tech Business Offer, a mix of private and public EU investment, will be rolled out to support digital projects in partner countries. A first meeting of the new Digital Partnership Network is also planned, involving representatives from the EU and its partner countries. Meanwhile, joint research programmes are set to be launched with Japan, Canada and South Korea, notably in quantum technologies and semiconductors. Drones will be as key to Taiwan's national security as they have been for Ukraine, a Taiwanese legislator told Euronews Next. The embattled country's war efforts have boosted morale on the Asian island as it ramps up its own defences against the potential threat of a future Chinese invasion. "When the United States withdrew from Afghanistan [in 2020], it undermined the morals of Taiwan tremendously at the time," said Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Kuan-ting, adding that some people at the time were even trying to transfer their money abroad. "But then after Russia initially launched the war against Ukraine… this is the first time in Taiwan that we have a common ground, we have consensus that we probably will prevail because of what Ukraine did". Taiwan, which is roughly 180 km from China, functions as an independent democracy with its own constitution and elected government. But China maintains that the island is a renegade province destined for reunification with the mainland, through military means if necessary. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that "the threat China poses [to Taiwan] is real and it could be imminent". Beijing is "credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific". China's foreign minister warned the US against using Taiwan as a bargaining chip to contain China and is 'playing with fire". In April, China deployed its armed, naval, and air forces for drills around Taiwan. China said the manoeuvres were to practice a blockade of the island. Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has called for peace with China while also saying in April that the island's defence budget would rise by 3 per cent of its gross economic output and would reform its national defence forces. US President Donald Trump has previously said Taiwan should increase its defence spending as high as 10 per cent of GDP. But spending wisely, like Ukraine has done with cheaper drones to counter the first line of attack, is a lesson that Taiwan can learn from, Kuan-ting argues. The lawmaker helped establish and became president of a so-called Taiwan-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Association in April, which aims to "send a signal to the world, including China, that superpowers may lose modern warfare" due to new technologies. The second reason for the group is to learn from Ukraine and be able to answer questions such as managing the logistics of delivering weapons or how decisions are made in warfare. "They have the experience we don't have," he said. Asked if Taiwan is using Ukrainian drones, Kuan-ting said he had no knowledge of this. According to the legislator, based on conversations he has had with Ukrainian think-tanks, China is doing the same thing in Europe and is learning "the techniques of the Russian soldiers" and is also "there to observe how Westerners react to their aggressions". Taiwan has "a moral obligation to help Ukraine because it's a strategic deterrence to superpowers to launch war against a peace-loving country such as Taiwan," he said. "It proves that even if you have those conventional weapons, even if you have a bigger economy, bigger troops, you might lose," he added. But China too has been working on asymmetric warfare for the last decade and is producing "thousands if not millions of drones every year," Kuan-ting said, such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and all kinds of weapons systems. "They're good at those [drones] because they believe conventional military equipment is not sufficient to counter the United States' super military power. So they were focusing on asymmetric warfare long before we did, because they were worried about America's intervention in the region,' he added. However, the difference between the war in Ukraine and Taiwan and China's tensions is that Taiwan is separated by sea, so China would have to conduct an 'amphibious attack'. "If they do so, I believe we will acquire the abilities and the quantity of the drones - UAV, UUV, and all kinds of asymmetric warfare equipment - to counter these kinds of aggressions". One of Taiwan's challenges is building enough drones to counter China, Kuan-ting said. "We are trying to reverse the situation, that they [China] have the quantity we don't. That's why in the past two, three years, the Ministry of Defence, and also most of the leadership of Taiwan, decided to try to include more public companies". "Instead of conventional equipment like big tanks, big aeroplanes, they probably couldn't adapt to modern warfare. We decided to buy smart and use a smart weapon system," he said. Taiwan has set itself the goal of manufacturing 15,000 domestically made drones a month by 2028. It is a tall order, but Taiwan is a strong manufacturing country known for its quality. However, Taiwan-made drones cost on average 25 per cent more to make than Chinese drones. Scaling Taiwan's defence tech companies is therefore paramount, and working with Europe and the US to expand the markets will be key, the legislator said. At Taiwan's biggest tech fair COMPUTEX in May, one Taiwanese defence company is using artificial intelligence (AI) to vastly improve thermal cameras that see in the dark and clarify the noise in its audio equipment. The company, Thunder Fortis, says its technology can detect enemies from 300 m away in the dark. "Our advantage is also our challenge. So we want to produce internally, but our cost will be very high if we don't rely on exports from other countries," sales manager Nancy Lin told Euronews Next. "Our challenge will be to try to sell to the market, but still keep a low cost. But we are very confident in manufacturing good quality products that not only serve the military market," she added. The company is so far partnering with tech giants such as Nvidia and Arm. "Everyone is aware that Taiwan is in a strategic position in the Taiwan Strait, and we have our allies from Japan, South Korea, and also from other countries," she said. "We don't want to make other countries an enemy, it's a bit sensitive, but we want to make ourselves strong enough so no one will try to violate our boundaries of our countries. "Especially many of our components are made in Taiwan, assembled in Taiwan manufactured in Taiwan so we can rely on our self-produced products and we don't need to rely on imports from other countries," she said. But to deter China, it is not just about building the best defence tech, it is also necessary to use cheap methods to eliminate military targets such as drones. "It's not just about drones to drones, it's about how to apply the best systems, the best equipment to make sure they cannot close the Taiwan Strait," Kuan-ting said. "I believe if there is any country that can stop China, Taiwan might be one of them, but it has to be collective actions with our partners. So we can't do this alone," the legislator added. Trump's America First trade policy has sent shockwaves around the world and raised questions over international relations. Despite this, Kuan-ting believes that Taiwan's ties to the US are still just as strong as before Trump's reelection. "I believe the Congress and the Senate of the United States are sending very firm and clear signals to Taiwan and China that the United States is staying with us and they are providing us more military equipment," he said. There has been speculation of Europe's rapprochement with China due to Trump's tariffs. However, the legislator believes that the bloc's connection with Taiwan is still close. "Most of our friends in Europe are aware of the situation and are also aware of how the Chinese government is trying to dump their EVs (electric vehicles) onto Europe, so we have pretty much the same common ground. They're facing economical [threats], we are facing both economic and militarised threats," he said. Marcin Jerzewski, head of the Taiwan Office of the European Values Center for Security Policy, said that "it's too early to say that Europe is distancing itself from Taiwan" and that he has "high hopes" related to the upcoming EU-China summit that will happen in Beijing. However, he said that this does not mean that Europe will move away from Taiwan. "I believe that a lot of signs of goodwill and openness that are coming out of the current European Commission towards China are also a signal to the United States that the EU is willing to continue down the path of strategic autonomy". He said that Europeans still has a tendency to look at Taiwan as only a difficult subset of overall relations with China, rather than trying to look at Taiwan as a partner in its own right. But he said there is a small shift in Europe looking at Taiwan as a partner on its own. "It doesn't mean that we're recognising Taiwan as an independent country or abandoning one-China policy, but it's about identifying spaces for engagement that are not just sub-engagements under this broader umbrella of dealings with China," he said. Jerzewski also said that Chinese information operations are playing a big role in stoking division in Taiwan. He said that this has two objectives. The first is sowing the seeds of anti-Americanism. "Definitely in the current climate, with unpredictability reigned in by Trump 2.0, China has been gifted many narratives on a silver platter because there is no longer a need for them to produce this information. They can just amplify the actual headlines that are coming out of DC," he said. The second objective has always been to undermine democratic processes, trust, and the public trust in democratic processes and institutions, he added. However, Taiwan is also using technology to boost its own foreign policy standing. During the a recent speech by the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, he highlighted a need to turn Taiwan into an "AI island" and use its advantage of semiconductors to be ahead of the curve and embed Taiwan very firmly in those AI supply chains, so that giving up on Taiwan is more difficult for countries around the world. Taiwan also, in its National Security Act, included specific provisions for protecting its talent and technology. "I think that this legal change is a very conspicuous manifestation of this realisation about the simultaneous pursuit of both technological advancement and beefing up its security strategies," Jerzewski said. Securing Taiwan and Ukraine is key to global security, the legislator said, urging Europe to continue its support for Taiwan and Ukraine. "It serves both national interests and values as well. If you want to stay, if you want to live the way you want, freely, then we must stop them. "Because they are trying to undermine everything we are standing for, the way we live. We should not let that happen, because if it happened in Ukraine, it could happen to Poland. "If it happened to Taiwan, it could happen to other neighbours. So we have to stop the domino here," he said.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Africa establish a critical minerals-backed currency?
Africa holds approximately 30% of the world's critical mineral reserves, making the continent indispensable to green industrialisation and the global energy transition. However, beyond being a major supplier, Africa has yet to establish a strong value chain to reap the benefits of this mineral wealth for itself. Less than 5% of its critical minerals are domestically processed as most value addition occurs abroad, especially in China, which dominates the refining industry. To address this disparity, there are growing calls for collaboration between African countries and their respective mining industries. A report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and KPMG South Africa proposes a currency convertibility mechanism that would see participating countries pool a pre-agreed percentage of critical minerals to raise investment in energy and other developmental infrastructure. However, persistent and significant barriers stand in the way of a harmonised critical minerals value chain in Africa – including infrastructural deficits, skilled labour shortages, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. Considering these challenges, Mining Technology examines the currency mechanism and Africa's potential as a self-governing critical minerals powerhouse. Critical minerals are an active market across the continent as global competitors vie to secure ownership over valuable deposits. The main resources are cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese and nickel. "Africa's critical minerals mining sector is predominantly Chinese-owned as Western ownership tends to concentrate on traditional commodities, creating a dependency that often leads to exploitation,' says Olimpia Pilch, chief strategy officer at the Critical Minerals Africa Group. China has invested billions into African mining operations, with Mining Technology's parent company GlobalData pointing out that such investments have contributed to the 'construction of vital infrastructure and the transfer of essential knowledge to African communities'. Meanwhile, as China's main adversary, the US has been ramping up its interest in the continent's critical minerals. Since March, the US has been in discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for an exclusive minerals-for-security deal in a bid to counter China's influence and diversify supply. On the European investment front, ESG is top of mind through initiatives such as the €300bn ($341.08bn) Global Gateway programme. However, the European Council on Foreign Relations recently urged the EU to deprioritise its 'strict ESG-first approach' lest it fall behind its competitors in Africa. Despite these moves by global superpowers, Africa has yet to benefit from its own critical minerals on a macroeconomic scale. KPMG South Africa lead economist Frank Blackmore tells Mining Technology that the continent 'is behind on a lot of metrics, mainly with infrastructure', adding that electrification for both public and industrial use is a key area of underdevelopment. 'Infrastructure deficits exist primarily in the form of poor roads, ports and energy supply, which limit access to mineral-rich areas in rural and isolated locations,' says Joshua Charles, CEO of Frontier Dominion, an investment research company focused on Africa. Exacerbating issues is the continent's skilled labour shortage. Research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development highlights southern and central Africa as regions where deficits in skilled workers have held back mining development and job creation. The majority of respondents to a recent GlobalData survey identified improving infrastructure and securing financing as the most vital challenges for African critical minerals to overcome. This embedded content is not available in your region. A revolution has emerged in recent years as African countries take steps to secure greater control of their critical mineral resources and prioritise local expertise and suppliers. At the EIT RawMaterials Summit in Brussels on 13–15 May, Mining Technology spoke to Aleksandra Cholewa, director of investment and development at Luma Holding and supervisor of the Malta-based investment firm's Rwandan assets. This includes a major tin and tantalum smelter that delivers to European and US markets. 'Africa has always been treated as backup storage for minerals to be shipped elsewhere,' she confirmed. 'We know we need more minerals – and that Africa can be a sustainable source [given] the right tools – but we must also be aware of what kind of value proposition we have for them. Partnerships should be equal.' The AfDB and KPMG South Africa have put forward a mechanism for participating African countries to 'pool together their mineral resources into a commodity basket [which will] serve their interests much better', while also funding long-term energy transition projects. World Resources Institute Africa governance and civil society support lead Patrick James Njakani Okoko explains that in current currency flows critical minerals 'help reduce currency risks by bringing in foreign exchange, as governments in exporting countries such as the DRC often intervene in foreign exchange markets to stabilise local currencies, in turn strengthening their ability to import essential goods'. However, he points out that this model creates a dependency on raw mineral exports and limits local benefits and value addition as a large share of the profits are captured by foreign operators. Indeed, the DRC has been grappling with an oversupply of cobalt and is considering extending its export bans, which began in February. Under the proposed critical minerals basket, also known as African Units of Account, participating countries would pledge a pre-agreed proportion of proven commodity reserves to 'promote regional financial integration, co-operation and cross-border trade'. The report suggests the S&P500 in the US as a point of comparison and the Gold Standard System as a precedent for the basket. However, Pilch contends that 'the model fails to recognise that many critical minerals are not commodities as they lack fungibility'. 'While gold-backed currencies offer stability, critical minerals offer the polar opposite," she adds. The critical minerals selected for inclusion in the mechanism are based on 'future expectation of value', with the report spotlighting copper, cobalt, nickel and lithium. KPMG partner and southern Africa financial services sector head Auguste Claude-Nguetsop adds that 'this is based on the demand, location, size and availability of critical minerals that can then be used as collateral for long-term funding towards Africa's Strategic Development Goals'. As well as mitigating currency risk and facilitating long-term borrowing for clean energy projects powered by critical minerals, another potential outcome of the basket would be the incentivisation of domestic natural resource exploration and extraction. According to Blackmore, the model 'would stimulate mining in Africa. The snowball effect of this would be the harmonisation of mining processes and regulation." Blackmore and Claude-Nguetsop believe that the mechanism and the AfDB's role as a settlement agent would improve transparency around mining investment deals between nations, establishing a more stable business environment. However, there are significant challenges made harder by the continental scale of the mechanism. 'The plan is viable so long as a periodic review takes place by an independent Africa minerals board, coordinated by the AfDB, to ensure that the mineral basket stabilises financing for access to fair financing rates,' asserts Charles. Meanwhile, Cholewa is positive about the plan. 'It is very ambitious and needs more discussion between all stakeholders – governments, the upstream, midstream and downstream, and financial institutions. There is some industry scepticism, but we would be happy to see how we can implement it in the tin and tantalum sector.' Claude-Nguetsop acknowledges that buy-in from political and business leaders will be critical to the success of the mechanism. Meanwhile, Blackmore says that depending on the jurisdiction "there could be operational challenges" related to moving products in and out of some countries, 'but as the mechanism enters economies, there will be operational liberalisation". He confirms to Mining Technology that the AfDB is currently working on piloting the basket, with careful consideration as to which nation will be selected for the study before an attempted expansion across Africa. It is impossible to regard such a change in Africa's critical minerals landscape without also considering the position of China. 'Any critical mineral currency would be left at the mercy of China's whims and could be easily weaponised to ensure African leaders fall in line with Beijing's agenda,' argues Pilch. Increasing action is being taken to reform Africa's mining and resource sectors with the interests of the continent front of mind. If implemented, a critical minerals basket could work alongside established initiatives such as the African Union (AU)'s Africa Mining Vision, which was created in 2009 and advocates for equitable and sustainable mineral resource management. This is in addition to newer frameworks like the AU and AfDB's recently announced Green Minerals Strategy. This highlights four main priorities: advancing mineral development; developing people and technological capability; building mineral value-chains; and promoting mineral stewardship. 'As time goes on, we could see the mechanism open for broader commodities as well, such as precious metals, but the current close ties between critical minerals and Africa's development are what is urgent,' states Blackmore. Looking ahead, Charles believes that 'there will be an increase in investments in Africa's critical minerals due to geopolitical interest, and thus growth in regional collaboration with institutions such as the AfDB, the World Bank, and multilateral partnerships between the US and EU and other regional blocs likely to materialise in the future'. The vast majority (82%) of those polled on the Mining Technology website in April/May stated that Africa would have an "extremely significant" (57%) or "very significant" (25%) role in the global critical minerals race, versus just 7% who said the continent's role would be "not at all significant". Cholewa hopes that there will be more value addition, particularly in the downstream sector. 'Africa is almost ready and there is no reason for it not to be done – but it needs financing, capacity building and education.' 'Africa holds immense potential to maintain and expand its role as a major player in global natural resource markets,' concurs Okoko. 'Through strategic policies, infrastructure development and balanced partnerships, the continent can transform its natural wealth into a driver of inclusive and sustainable development." "Could Africa establish a critical minerals-backed currency? " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Insider
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
EU backs Central African trade growth with €40 million corridor upgrade
The European Union is reinforcing its commitment to Africa's economic development with a €40 million investment aimed at modernizing the Douala N'Djamena trade corridor. The EU is investing €40 million to modernize the Douala N'Djamena trade corridor, a key route in Central Africa. This initiative is part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy to promote sustainable infrastructure globally. Upgrading the corridor is expected to lower trade costs, increase efficiency, and strengthen EU-Africa partnerships. This strategic route connects Douala, Cameroon's largest port and economic hub, to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, facilitating trade and transport across Central Africa. This investment is part of the EU's Global Gateway initiative, a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainable infrastructure projects globally by mobilizing public and private sector financing. Specifically, the funding for the Douala N'Djamena corridor is structured under a guarantee mechanism developed jointly by the EU and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This mechanism is designed to reduce investment risks and encourage private sector participation in critical infrastructure projects. Koen Doens, Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, emphasized the broader objectives of this corridor upgrade. According to Doens, the project is not solely about improving trade logistics; it also aims to strengthen regional integration, generate employment opportunities, and enhance stability throughout Central Africa. These goals align with the EU's evolving approach towards Africa transitioning from traditional aid giving to fostering strategic partnerships and investments that support sustainable development and economic sovereignty. Inside the Douala-N'Djamena trade route The Douala N'Djamena corridor plays a crucial role in linking landlocked Chad with international markets through Cameroon's port facilities, thereby facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people. Enhancing this corridor is expected to reduce transit times and transport costs, which have historically hindered trade efficiency and economic growth in the region. While specific details of the infrastructure improvements were not outlined in the announcement, the investment likely encompasses upgrades to transport infrastructure and border management systems, given the corridor's role as a major trade artery. Improving these elements can significantly impact the ease of doing business, attract further private investment, and promote intra-African trade. Coordination between the European Union and the governments of Cameroon and Chad is central to the success of this project. The EU is focused on ensuring that financial resources are managed with transparency and accountability, supporting governance reforms to maximize the development impact. This initiative represents a clear shift in the EU's Africa policy, signaling a move away from one-way aid models towards partnership-based engagement.
See - Sada Elbalad
18-05-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU, CAF Forge Landmark Partnership to Empower African Youth Through Football
Ahmed Emam In a step intended to strengthen youth development and visibility of European investments across Africa, the European Union (EU) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to ink a three-year cooperation and sponsorship agreement. The deal, which was formalized ahead of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Final in Cairo, is set to deepen collaboration between Europe and Africa through sport, education, and community engagement. Signed by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the agreement marks a strategic alliance between the EU and Africa's football governing body. It will channel support toward CAF's youth and safeguarding programmes while promoting the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to mobilize up to €150 billion in sustainable investments across Africa by 2027. At the heart of the partnership is the CAF African Schools Championship—Africa's largest youth football competition. Since its launch in 2022, the tournament has involved more than 1.9 million boys and girls from 46 countries. With the EU's backing, the competition is expected to expand to 33,000 schools, combining football with leadership training, education, and community involvement. The initiative is designed not only to foster talent on the pitch but to instill critical life values such as respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Prize money awarded to winners is reinvested into schools through infrastructure projects and educational resources. The EU-CAF agreement also bolsters efforts to protect young athletes through the continent-wide Safeguarding Programme, launched by CAF in 2022. The initiative includes the appointment of dedicated safeguarding officers in all 54 CAF member associations, training sessions on preventing exploitation and trafficking, and a series of awareness campaigns under the banner #ProtectTheDream. These measures aim to create safe environments for children and teenagers involved in football as they transition from grassroots to elite levels. Beyond youth competitions, the EU will be actively involved in several of CAF's flagship tournaments, including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and 2026, the Men's AFCON in 2025 and 2027, and ongoing safeguarding and school-based activities. These events provide a significant platform for the EU to enhance its presence and reinforce its commitment to Africa's development goals. The partnership reflects a broader EU strategy to use sport as a driver for social change. Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is investing in areas ranging from renewable energy and digital infrastructure to education and healthcare. Projects such as the Lobito Corridor in Southern Africa, the Nachtigal Hydropower Plant in Cameroon, and vocational training programmes in Angola and Senegal underline Europe's long-term commitment to Africa's sustainable growth. Motsepe praised the agreement as a transformative step for African football and youth empowerment. 'Football is more than a game. It's a platform to build futures, strengthen communities, and create lasting partnerships,' he said. Commissioner Síkela echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership 'a bridge between continents' that will deliver impact where it's needed most. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
