By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Europe has taken a commanding lead in global efforts to expand renewable energy access in Africa, pledging €15.5 billion to accelerate the continent’s clean-energy transition, boost electricity access and support sustainable industrialization. The announcement coincided with the 7th African Union–European Union Summit held in Luanda, Angola on 25 November 2025, where leaders reaffirmed their 25-year partnership and adopted new priorities for economic cooperation, energy transformation, security and global governance.
The clean-energy campaign, jointly led over the past year by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, represents one of the most ambitious financing efforts to date in support of Africa’s transition to renewable energy.
According to the European Commission, Team Europe alone contributed over €15.1 billion out of the total €15.5 billion mobilised. The EU’s support includes over €10 billion committed by President von der Leyen, backed by major bilateral contributions from Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and other member states, alongside significant financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Announcing the investment, President von der Leyen described the achievement as a defining moment for Africa’s energy future:
“Today, the world has stepped up for Africa. With €15.5 billion, we are turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition. Millions more people could gain access to electricity; real, life-changing power for families, businesses and entire communities.”
The EU package includes new Global Gateway flagship projects, with contributions from multiple European countries as well as private sector partners. Italy, Germany and the Netherlands collectively added over €4.6 billion, while Nordic and Iberian partners also scaled up bilateral support.
The campaign secured commitments to develop 26.8 GW of renewable energy and extend clean electricity to 17.5 million households currently living without reliable power.
The African Development Bank pledged to allocate at least 20% of its African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment to renewables, while Norway committed an additional €53 million through the fund between 2026 and 2028.
These investments directly support Africa’s broader goals under the Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the Continental Power Systems Masterplan, which aim to deliver energy security and advance sustainable industrialization.
The clean-energy pledges overshadowed but complemented the outcomes of the 7th AU-EU Summit, where leaders from both continents recommitted to a shared strategic vision for development, governance, security and multilateral cooperation.
Co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço, European Council President António Costa, AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the summit celebrated 25 years of a “unique and strategic partnership.”
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint AU-EU Vision for 2030, emphasizing stronger cooperation in:
- renewable energy expansion
- trade and value-chain development
- peace and security
- youth empowerment, mobility and skills
- climate action and environmental protection
- reform of the global financial and multilateral governance systems
The Summit underscored Europe’s continued role as Africa’s largest trading partner, accounting for one-third of African trade. Major announcements included:
- new support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- progress on major connectivity projects such as the Lobito Corridor, which recently facilitated Angola’s first avocado exports to Europe
- deeper cooperation on strategic and critical mineral value chains
President von der Leyen highlighted Europe’s commitment to long-term economic cooperation:
“We invest in local jobs and local value chains—this is Europe’s model.”
The EU’s Global Gateway programme has already mobilised €120 billion, with the bloc on track to reach €150 billion by 2027.
The Summit devoted special attention to Africa’s renewable potential—particularly solar energy. Despite holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa attracts only 2% of global energy investment.
Key actions agreed include:
- providing clean electricity to 100 million Africans by 2030
- implementing the €15.5 billion clean-energy pledge announced during the G20
- dedicating over €400 million to expand clean cooking solutions
- promoting investment in transmission networks, off-grid systems and cross-border trade
“A just transition must be for all—and it must be made in Africa,” President von der Leyen stressed.
Leaders reaffirmed unwavering support for peace efforts in conflict-affected regions including Sudan, the DRC, Ukraine, the Sahel and Somalia. They underscored:
- the need for predictable UN funding for AU-led Peace Support Operations
- stronger cooperation against terrorism, organised crime and disinformation
- commitments to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian principles
(Sections referenced: Joint Declaration paragraphs 5, 22–29 )
Both Unions pledged to expand:
- student and academic mobility
- partnerships between universities
- skills, research and innovation programmes
- mutually beneficial migration pathways
They also committed to tackling irregular migration through balanced measures that respect international law.
Marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, Africa and Europe expressed a united call for:
- reforming the UN Security Council to make it more representative
- overhauling the global financial system to improve fairness for developing nations
- strong outcomes at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in 2026
(Reference: Joint Declaration paragraphs 30–38 )
Both sides reconfirmed shared commitments to climate action and the Paris Agreement.
The AU and EU agreed to develop a joint implementation plan within six months and strengthen monitoring through the Joint Monitoring Report. The next Summit will be hosted in Brussels.
Both Unions expressed deep appreciation to Angola for its hospitality and the successful organisation of the historic Summit.
