EU's Africa framework will focus on global competition

Subject

EU-Africa development framework.

Significance

The Africa-EU relationship is at a crucial stage with a new trade and development treaty with the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States set to be finalised by October. Simultaneously, the EU is confirming its own Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will govern its operational budget from 2021-27. The Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) within the MFF prioritises global competition with China and other rising powers.

Impacts

• The Alliance will seek to build a European reputation for honest business dealings as it pushes forward European investments.
• The EU will try capitalising on recent ill feeling towards China over hesitancy on debt forgiveness, selling itself as a preferred partner.
• Civil society groups will grow more vocal about Alliance projects' impact on communities' access to land, and wider ecological integrity.