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Africa-Europe Foundation

AEF

The Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) is an independent platform for multistakeholder dialogue, frank debate and strategic analysis, working as a ‘network of networks’ in bringing together citizens and leaders united by a passionate belief in a deeper partnership between Africa and Europe.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Stefano Sannino (Director-General Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf)

10 Nov 2025 · Exploration of possible cooperation between DG MENA and the Africa-Europe Foundation in the context of the Pact for the Mediterranean, the Global Gateway, and the broader Africa- Europe partnership

Response to The European Oceans Pact

12 Feb 2025

EU cooperation with Africa on Ocean Governance and Blue Economy is primed for expansion. The 2nd edition of the Blue Africa Summit and its declaration welcomed the Africa-Europe Ocean Roadmap, entitled 'Roadmap Towards 2030: Co-driving the Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership'; and recognised the 'Africa-Europe Ocean Strategy Group', facilitated by the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF), in partnership with the European and African Commissions, as a unique platform and incubator for cross-continental action, primed for large-scale impact from 2025 and contributing to the mainstreaming of ocean governance and blue economy in the AU-EU partnership in the lead-up to UNOC3 and beyond. AEF contribution to the EU Ocean Pact is founded on multiple avenues, which have all the potential to add an external dimension to the Pact. It builds on the recent work of the AEF and the Africa-Europe Strategy Group on Ocean Governance and demonstrates where both could be most useful in the context of the upcoming EU-AU policy and programming cycle, set to start in February 2025 on the back of leadership changes at the African Union Commission. 1. Operationalise the Africa-Europe Ocean Roadmap Following the recent delivery of the 'Roadmap Towards 2030: Co-driving the Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership', the Pact must build on the process established and the content produced to advance an ambitious, institutionaled, and effective Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership. Reviewing the Roadmaps intervention areas (in partnership with the African Union, Member States, and Regional Blocs), and work jointly to operationalise the Africa-Europe Ocean Roadmap and move towards implementation. This means advancing some of the priority intervention areas listed in the Roadmap. 2. Mainstream Ocean/Blue Economy as a strategic pillar of the Africa-Europe Partnership In the lead up to UNOC III and the 7th AU-EU Summit, occupy space with continued communication and advocacy demonstrating the importance of mainstreaming ocean/blue economy as a strategic pillar of the Africa-Europe Partnership, advancing both 1/ a joint vision for a mutually supportive partnership that will focus on equal benefit sharing through inclusive and equitable processes and 2/ concrete outcomes for the two continents on ocean policy and action, including the blue economy. Institutionalise an 'AU-EU Ocean Governance and Blue Economy Ministerial Summit' under the Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership, meeting every two years to review progress and share development solutions between partners and stakeholders. In doing so, Africa and Europe would convene leaders from the two continents to elevate the bar politically and financially for the ocean. In between, organise joint Africa-Europe convenings and workshops with other agencies and programmes to facilitate strong working collaborations. 3. Foster EU-Africa Bilateral Partnerships on Ocean/Blue Economy Forge bilateral partnerships and foster inter-institutional dynamics: Given the political context and the forthcoming 7th AU-EU Summit this is a unique moment to forge bilateral partnerships and foster inter-institutional dynamics, including government-to-government (G2G) match-making in favour of regional integration, economic cooperation towards a prosperous and sustainable future for the two continents. 4. Support & Invest in an Africa-Europe Research & Innovation Ocean Hub The Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) is poised to advance its ambitious work on Ocean Governance and the Blue Economy by aiming to launch a first-of-its-kind Africa-Europe Research and Innovation Ocean Hub. The Hub will facilitate a variety of opportunities for research/business collaboration, encompassing funding options and initiatives designed to support the development of an Africa-Europe tissue of cooperation. It will aim to bridge existing research/business gaps, drive cross-continental innovation, improve capacity-sharing, and a mutually benedicial partnership.
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Meeting with Koen Doens (Director-General Directorate-General for International Partnerships)

9 Jul 2024 · Steering meeting