The European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on March 9 2020 proposed the basis for a new strategy with Africa.

The joint communication by the Commission and the High Representative sets out ideas to intensify cooperation in all aspects of the EU-Africa partnership. It proposes a comprehensive framework for future partnership to enable both sides to achieve their common goals and to tackle global challenges. As a response to new, changing realities, the proposal for a strategy introduces a specific focus on the green transition and the digital transformation as key target areas for future cooperation.

In the area of digital, the communication proposes a new partnership to boost Africa’s digital transformation. This will require focus on regulatory convergence, including strengthening personal data protection, investment in key enabling sustainable infrastructure, the digitalisation of public administrations for the provision of e-services, greater education and training opportunities as well as increasing secure data flows. 

The EU-African Union Summit in Autumn 2020 will be the culminating moment when African and European Heads of State and Government meet to determine joint priorities for their common future.

In the run up to the Summit, dialogues, consultations and feedback from African and European stakeholders will help refine the way forward.