Africa-EU Partnership: 25 Years of Collaboration and the Future of Space Cooperation
The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) partnership marks its 25th anniversary this year, dating back to the first Africa-Europe Summit held in Cairo on April 3-4, 2000. This alliance represents nearly 1.9 billion people across both continents and is founded on shared values, mutual interests, and multilateral cooperation.
Both unions are working toward sustainable development through the Joint Vision for 2030, which aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. In preparation for the upcoming Ministerial meeting on May 21, 2025, in Brussels, which will gather approximately 80 governments and new leadership from both unions, and the 7th AU-EU Summit in Africa later this year, the two organisations have launched a year-long campaign (#AUEU25).
The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package is a key initiative which pledges USD 150 billion to support Africa’s recovery and transformation. This European investment strategy aims to create smart, clean, and secure connections in digital and other sectors, helping partner countries address digital divides while promoting sustainable development.
During the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, Space in Africa interviewed H.E. Javier Niño Pérez, European Union Ambassador to the African Union, discussing the long-standing relationship between the two unions, current and future space collaboration initiatives, and insights into various joint programmes.
How does it feel to be in Cairo in 2025, a special year for the AU-EU partnership?
Indeed, it is quite symbolic and emotional to be in Cairo in 2025, when this unique partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) celebrates its 25th anniversary. The first Africa-Europe Summit was held exactly here in Cairo in April 2000. I reread the statement that African and European leaders sent to the world 25 years ago, after that first Summit, and, although we have come a long way, it is still very pertinent. It states that Africa and the EU should have a deeper partnership as we share a critical mass of common values, principles and interests. It also says we should work together under a spirit of equality, respect and cooperation.
Nowadays, the EU is the largest partner of Africa in practically all fields, as we believe that Africa’s stability and prosperity are the best way to achieve prosperity and stability in Europe and the world. Twenty-five years ago, and even more now, in the current geopolitical context, multilateralism is the best way to tackle global challenges, as it is necessary to continue working in full respect of the UN Charter. Together, the EU and the AU represent and carry the voices, hopes and dreams of more than 1.9 billion people and represent 40% of the UN membership.
Our collaboration drives sustainable and people-centred prosperity, implementing the Joint Vision for 2030 aligned with the Africa Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. In the lead-up to the EU-AU Ministerial meeting scheduled to 21 May 2025, in Brussels, gathering around 80 governments and the new leadership of both AU and EU, and to the 7th AU-EU Summit to be hosted in Africa later this year, the two Unions launched a joint year-long campaign to share examples of the impact of this partnership. I invite everyone to follow it with the #AUEU25.
As a sponsor of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, the European Union is playing a key role in this year’s event. What inspired this commitment? What value does the conference offer the EU, and how does it align with your broader strategic goals in Africa and the space sector?
The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, announced at the EU Space Conference in Brussels, is a tribute to the shared vision and commitment to a brighter future for Africa and the EU, two longstanding partners. This partnership reflects our collective determination to harness the power of space for the betterment of our societies. It is a real honour to be able to support and be here in this event as we launch a landmark initiative, marking a new chapter within our large partnership between Africa and the European Union.
Our Joint Vision for 2030 highlights the strategic alignment around four central pillars: Prosperity (a commitment to promote regional economic integration and sustainable growth, namely via the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package that will mobilise at least EUR 150 billion of investment by 2027), Peace and Security, People (investing in Human Development) and Planet (as we are, together, a global force for multilateralism and sustainability).
The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, backed by a significant EUR 100 million investment from the European Union, is not just an initiative; it is a beacon of hope and progress as it underscores our shared commitment to driving innovation, progress, and sustainable development through the power of space technology. This happens in a moment of tremendous potential and demonstrates our joint efforts to advance EU-Africa relations through the strategic use of space-based technologies based on the European Space programme, notably Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS. It forms a critical part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, co-designed between African and European partners, to deepen our cooperation in space technology.
The European Union has long been at the forefront of space, contributing to advancing space science, earth observation, satellite navigation, and connectivity. With its established expertise and commitment to global cooperation, the EU is key in facilitating international partnerships that support sustainable development and innovation through space. This partnership is more than just a financial investment; it is an investment in our shared future. It underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and technological exchange with Africa. The Africa-EU Space programme promotes partnerships supporting Africa’s strides towards becoming a global space player.
The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025) commits EUR 100 million to African space development. What specific gaps in Africa’s space ecosystem is this initiative designed to address, and how does it differ from previous EU-Africa space collaborations like GMES & Africa? Does it complement or look to address a gap in the earlier programmes? Given that the EU has already invested EUR 200 million in initiatives like GMES & Africa, what tangible outcomes or success stories can you highlight that have justified this continued and increased investment?
The African space context has quickly evolved, with more nations embracing space technologies to address critical challenges, from climate change and food security to disaster management and economic development. It is a significant momentum to build on previous programmes and to promote strong partnerships at the institutional level and with the private sector.
The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (AfricaSpace), co-created and co-designed with African and European partners, promotes a comprehensive approach, building synergies across the components. It focuses on key priorities such as advancing the green transition, boosting climate resilience, promoting innovation and private sector development, and strengthening institutional partnerships. These priorities are not just buzzwords but the pillars upon which we will build a sustainable and prosperous future. By leveraging space technologies, we aim to promote economic growth, drive climate action, and accelerate digital transformation across our continents. This initiative is a milestone that has been years in the making. It builds upon over two decades of collaboration, during which the EU has invested EUR 200 million in Africa’s space sector, notably through the GMES&Africa programme and its predecessor, the ClimSA programmes that are using Earth Observation data, and the ASECNA – JPO project using satellite navigation information.
The programme we launch today addresses broader gaps in Africa’s space ecosystem, while building on learnings from GMES & Africa to create a more comprehensive and inclusive space partnership. The scope and focus of the two programmes differ. I would emphasise just two examples.
On one hand, the GMES & Africa primarily focused on Earth Observation for environmental monitoring and sustainable development, while the African Space initiative expands to include navigation, communication, and space science, covering the full spectrum of space domains. On the other hand, the GMES & Africa focused mainly on public and academic stakeholders. At the same time, the AfricaSpace significantly emphasises developing the ecosystem, start-ups, SMEs, and industrial partnerships. Finally, it is essential to say that the AfricaSpace aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, emphasising digitalisation and green transition, making it part of a broader geopolitical strategy.
Now, let me share some tangible outcomes and success stories from our 20 years of cooperation. PUMA, AMESD, MESA and GMES & Africa Projects and Programmes significantly improved access to Earth Observation data across Africa, enabling better environmental monitoring and management in the fields of meteorology, climatology, water and natural resources, marine and coastal resources, to mention only a few. GMES & Africa benefited over 150 African organisations and trained more than 12,000 African professionals in these technologies, data analysis, and application development. This has strengthened institutional capacities at the regional and national levels, empowering African experts to use this data for policy-making. They also encouraged stronger ties between the EU and Africa, creating a platform for ongoing collaboration in space technologies and environmental management.
The IRIS2 constellation promises to eliminate connectivity dead zones across Africa. How will African nations be integrated into this project? What specific timeline exists for deployment over African territories, and which regions have been identified as priority areas?
The deployment of the new constellation is planned to happen by 2028. Indeed, the constellation will cover the African continent fully and provide high-speed broadband services to private companies and African citizens, enabling greater connectivity across industries and the potential for mass-market applications in mobile and fixed broadband satellite access. We are testing the approach with existing infrastructures, and we will soon start the discussion with African partners to jointly identify regions and coverage for pilot activities to take place in early 2026.
Due to financial guarantees and technical criteria, African firms face hurdles in bidding for EU space contracts. Will the new EUR 100m Partnership Programme relax procurement rules to include African start-ups?
The African stakeholders can participate in the upcoming calls under the Africa-EU Space Partnership programme. The spirit of the programme is all about partnership. Therefore, we strongly encourage such an approach in procurement: a close cooperation with European partners. Partners are organising informative sessions, and many opportunities are yet to be published. All information will be available on the programme’s websites, of the AfSA and implementing partners.
The EU has emphasised equal partnership in its space collaboration with Africa. Yet, some stakeholders note that disparities remain in data control and programme governance. How is the new Partnership Programme designed to shift from a donor-recipient model to one where African partners have equal influence over priorities and implementation?
The programme’s governance foresees a strong involvement of African partners (such as AUC, AfSA and ASECNA). This process started during the formulation with a consistent consultation and co-creation process. Now, during the implementation, the programme’s governance will be key to ensure that solutions provided meet the partners’ requirements.
Digital sovereignty is paramount for the European Union and partner countries outside the EU. It entails controlling a nation’s digital infrastructures, technologies, and data, reducing dependence on foreign entities. This enhances autonomy, economic resilience, and the ability to protect the rights and privacy of citizens. It also enhances mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships with the EU, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices for a sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. Investment reinforces partner countries’ digital sovereignty by deploying secure, interoperable digital infrastructures. This is a key aspect of the Global Gateway Digital Agenda. It also contributes to the development of the space ecosystem in Africa.
With the new European Commission, we enter a new phase of Global Gateway: from start-up to scale-up. Concretely, it means that our cooperation in space aims to boost Africa’s capabilities and autonomy. It means we can be more ambitious: the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme will build on these synergies, combining Africa’s emerging capabilities with the EU’s rich experience to address our shared challenges, create new opportunities for innovation, and strengthen our collective resilience in the face of global threats.
Lessons from past EU-Africa space programmes like AMESD and PUMA show that while they delivered technical successes, long-term sustainability often depended on renewed EU funding. How will the new Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme institutionalise exit strategies, such as African budget commitments or public-private models, to prevent critical capabilities from stalling after the funding cycle ends?
The EU will remain a reliable partner of Africa for space cooperation, even more so in the current geopolitical situation. The EU will actively support the development of the Space Partnership Programme while acknowledging the growing role of the African private sector and the rapidly changing space ecosystem, including the involvement of both public and private institutions in developing the new space economy. This will ensure that the Partnership adapts to these dynamic changes and leverages the opportunities they present.
On the other hand, the inauguration of AfSA is a significant political signal from the African Union and its member states, highlighting the continent’s commitment to space-related development and integration. This bold vision necessitates robust financial backing through adequate budget commitments to ensure its success and sustainability. As the African space sector continues to evolve, the African Union and its member states must mobilise the necessary support for the operationalisation and development of AfSA, recognising that the future trajectory of the continent’s space endeavors ultimately rests in the hands of African stakeholders, who must collectively shape and drive the growth of this critical sector.
How will the new Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme institutionalise exit strategies, such as African budget commitments or public-private models, to prevent critical capabilities from stalling after the funding cycle ends?
Unlike previous initiatives, the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme explicitly incorporates exit strategies into its design, focusing on institutional development, private sector engagement, and policy alignment to prevent a loss of momentum once external funding concludes. The programme encourages private sector participation through business support schemes, innovation labs, and matchmaking events. Equipping start-ups and SMEs with technical and entrepreneurial skills promotes a self-sustaining ecosystem and reduces dependence on external resources.
Let me give you some concrete examples as we aim at long-term sustainability. The Programme will explore hybrid financing approaches that blend public and private investment. The innovation labs and business schemes foreseen under the Programme are structured to attract investors and support commercial viability. Notably, the Programme supports AfSA’s governance, strategic planning, and technical operations as strengthening AfSA capacity ensures Africa has a central body to design, implement, coordinate and sustain space initiatives, infrastructure, partnerships, and policy advocacy.
The AfricaSpace aims to build institutional capacity within AfSA and regional bodies, showcasing the value of space-based solutions such as early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and agricultural monitoring to secure financial commitments from African governments. Endorsements such as the African Space Policy and the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change support the integration of space funding into national and regional budgets.
As we embark on this journey together, we set a precedent for future partnerships. We are showing the world that when the EU and Africa unite our strengths and resources, there is no limit to what we can achieve.