The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have deepened their long-standing partnership with the signing of a €20 million financing agreement for the EU-AU Partnership Performance Acceleration Program (AUPPAP). Announced on Wednesday, the initiative aims to accelerate integrated development and capacity building across Africa, while strengthening ties between the two continents.

The AUPPAP is designed to complement the existing support provided by the EU and its member states under the AU-EU partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. The program aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa, as well as the AU-EU joint vision for 2030, which seeks to foster a prosperous, sustainable, and mutually beneficial future for both regions.

The €20 million program will be implemented over two years, focusing on accelerating the execution of key development projects and enhancing institutional capacities to address shared challenges such as economic growth, digital transformation, connectivity, and energy. By prioritizing these areas, the AUPPAP aims to drive progress toward the goals outlined in Agenda 2063 and the AU-EU Partnership framework.

The initiative underscores the commitment of both the AU and EU to deepen their collaboration and work toward sustainable development, inclusive growth, and resilience in Africa. It also highlights the EU’s role as a key partner in supporting Africa’s development agenda, particularly in the context of global challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and economic recovery post-COVID-19.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fathallah Sijilmassi, Director General of the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasized the significance of the partnership. “This program cements our cooperation and will contribute to the deepening of African integration and sustainable development, as envisioned in the mission and vision of the African Union,” he said. The cooperation is expected to directly benefit the AUC, other AU organs and agencies, AU member states, and African citizens.

The AUPPAP is part of a broader effort to strengthen the AU-EU partnership, which has evolved over the past 25 years to address emerging challenges and opportunities. The partnership has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and collaboration on issues such as peace and security, migration, trade, and climate change. With the launch of this new program, both regions are reaffirming their commitment to a shared future built on mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.

For the EU, the initiative represents an opportunity to support Africa’s development while advancing its own strategic interests in a stable and prosperous neighboring continent. For Africa, the program offers a chance to leverage EU expertise and resources to accelerate progress toward its development goals.