The future of Africa-Europe relations must go beyond trade agreements. It is not just about market access, tariffs, or investment flows, it is about forming a truly equitable partnership.
By Dr Kawtar Mawas (Co-founder and President of the Africa Liberal Youth for Freedom – ALYF)
Following our discussions at RenewPAC in Abidjan, one thing became clear: the future of Africa-Europe relations must go beyond trade agreements. It is not just about market access, tariffs, or investment flows—it is about forming a truly equitable partnership. Europe has an opportunity to be a more competitive and reliable partner, but just as importantly, Africa has to shape its own economic future. Reflecting on the insights shared at the conference, this moment presents a chance to rethink how Africa positions itself in the global economy and how Europe can play a constructive role in that process.
A unified African market: The key to global competitiveness
If there is one lesson that the European Union can offer Africa, it is that unity creates strength in global trade. While Africa possesses some of the world’s most valuable resources and fastest-growing industries, it remains structurally fragmented, leaving it vulnerable and weak within the EU trade framework. While recognizing that a singular voice may not always be feasible given Africa’s diversity, creating treaties that foster trade across the continent is crucial. By combining resources and strengths, Africa can create a unified front to negotiate fair trade regulations that allow African countries to effectively export their products while maintaining their integrity: exportation of coffee from Kenya, cacao from Côte d’Ivoire, oil from Morocco and Tunisia, iron from Mauritania.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has already made strides in reducing tariffs and improving regional trade flows, but deeper integration is still needed. Regulatory frameworks across investment policies, competition laws, and data protection remain inconsistent, making cross-border trade inefficient. Europe has already played a role in facilitating technical assistance and regulatory reforms to support this economic integration, but there is room to do more. For example, the development of a Pan-African Digital Identity System, modeled after the European Digital Identity framework, could significantly streamline trade, financial transactions, and cross-border business operations.
Market segmentation: The untapped potential in Africa
One of the most striking insights from our discussions was the need for European companies to rethink their approach to African markets. Currently, European products are often seen as premium, expensive, and inaccessible to the majority of African consumers. This perception has driven many Africans to seek lower-cost alternatives from regions like China. A practical solution lies in market segmentation—tailoring European products and services to African consumers’ specific needs and price points. Some European brands have already done this successfully. Renault’s Dacia brand provides a useful example: it markets affordable, durable vehicles that cater to price-sensitive North African consumers.
At the same time, investment in Africa’s workforce and local industries is essential. Instead of simply exporting European products, Europe should actively support knowledge-sharing initiatives that help Africa develop its own high-quality domestic industries. This could include workforce training programs, technology partnerships, and joint ventures between African and European businesses. A shift toward co-production rather than just exportation would create a stronger, more sustainable trade relationship, where Africa is not merely a consumer of European goods but also a producer and innovator.
A free trade zone between Africa and Europe: The next step?
A bold yet compelling idea that emerged during our discussions was the prospect of an Africa-Europe free trade zone. Currently, African exports to the EU face substantial trade barriers, including high tariffs, strict product regulations, and complex labelling requirements that make it difficult for African businesses to access European markets. A well-structured free trade agreement between Africa and Europe could help reduce these hurdles and create a more level playing field.
For this to be effective, however, Africa must also undergo a digital transformation that enhances trade facilitation. The EU has already developed digital service platforms that allow businesses to transparently access trade policies, funding opportunities, and regulations online. Africa could benefit from a similar digital trade infrastructure, making it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to identify trade opportunities, secure financing, and expand internationally.
What needs to happen next?
The future of Africa-Europe relations cannot rely on outdated donor-recipient dynamics. The focus must be on building a mutually beneficial economic partnership—one where both continents gain from deeper trade cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and investment in industrial capacity. For Africa, this means continuing to strengthen regional economic integration, ensuring that more raw materials are processed on the continent. For Europe, it means becoming a more flexible and competitive partner, cutting bureaucratic red tape that slows investment, and helping remove trade barriers rather than enforcing them.
The key question remains: how will Europe position itself in this transformation? Will it remain constrained by rigid bureaucracy and outdated trade policies, or will it actively support Africa’s economic ambitions as an equal partner? The answer will define the next chapter of Africa-Europe relations and determine whether both continents can truly own the future together.