European Commission on Thursday said Africa’s trade with Europe remains “deep and mutually beneficial,” insisting that Brussels is committed to expanding economic ties despite global tensions.
Speaking at the Heads of State and Ministers Session of the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, EU Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen von der Leyen said Africa exports “more than twice as much to Europe as to China,” thanks largely to decades-old duty-free and quota-free access under EU trade schemes.
“But I see room to expand our trade relationship even further,” she told African leaders. Von der Leyen highlighted a series of joint infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening links between the continents, including ports, pipelines and the flagship Lobito Corridor, which connects Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to global markets.
“You all know this ambitious project,” she said. “But it is much more than that.”
She noted that alongside developing the corridor, European companies have been training farmers in Angola and helping local agribusinesses meet EU standards. That effort, she said, has led to a landmark moment: “This week we can celebrate that the very first shipment of Angolan avocados will leave Lobito bound to Europe.”
“This is how we can make global trade a driver of local growth,” von der Leyen said.
The EU chief also stressed Brussels’ backing for the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying stronger intra-African commerce would help African firms scale up and compete internationally. “Even and especially in these times of global tensions, we believe in the power of trade,” she said. “Because it delivers for our people and it delivers for our economies.”
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