BRUSSELS, 20 November 2017 / PRN Africa / -- The news:

The 5th African Union - European Union (AU-EU) summit will take place on 29-30 November 2017 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The summit will be a key moment and opportunity to strengthen relations in a broad range of areas between the two continents, with a focus on investing in youth. This is the first edition of the summit to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will gather Heads of State and Government from the European Union and Africa.

The EU is Africa's main partner. The European Commission and Africa are working together to tackle the common challenges of today, from fostering sustainable development and strengthening peace and security to boosting investment in the African continent and better managing migration. Under President Juncker's leadership, the Commission has added new innovative tools on top of its traditional cooperation instruments, bringing EU cooperation with Africa to a new level.

The background:

Europe is Africa's closest neighbour and main partner in foreign investment, trade, security, and development and humanitarian assistance. What happens in Africa matters in Europe and vice versa.

This summit will not only focus on the challenges both continents have in common, like peace and security, but also centre around common interests shared by both parties, especially sustainable growth that is inclusive and generates employment for youth.

Key figures:

EU aid represents more than 50% of global aid. €21 billion in development aid was provided to Africa in 2016 by the EU and its member states,

One third of the overall foreign direct investment in Africa comes from the EU with €32 billion invested in Africa by EU companies in 2015,

€3.35 billion are allocated to the European investment fund for sustainable development, which should trigger up to €44 billion of investments

7 civilian and military missions are deployed across sub Saharan Africa

€1.4 billion are committed to educational programmes in Africa from 2014 to 2020

Ahead of the summit, in May 2017 the Commission and the High Representative/ Vice-President set out the EU's political priorities and concrete proposals for a stronger strategic partnership with Africa.

The event:

From the European Commission, President Juncker, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Neven Mimica are due to attend the summit during 29/30 November.

There are also several events in the run up to the summit, such as:

6th EU-Africa Business Forum on 27/28 November 2017 - Abidjan, Palais de la Culture. Vice President Ansip is due to attend the Business Forum.

The sources:

Media registration is handled by the host country, details can be found here

Official Summit website

Factsheet: The EU's key partnership with Africa

Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council for a new impetus of the Africa-EU Partnership

Copyright European Union, 1995-2017

SOURCE European Commission