Commission Communication on EU-Africa Partnership on Infrastructure

The European Commission has approved a proposal for a partnership on infrastructure between the European Union and Africa (13 July) . It aims to respond to the objectives set out by the African Union and NEPAD. A total of €5.6 billion from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF, 2008-2013) will support regional development in four priority areas: transport, energy, water, and information technology and telecommunication networks.

According to a Commission press release the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, said ‘This partnership will allow Africa to build the infrastructure that is so crucial for a real economic boost. Connecting Africa is essential for its economic growth, trade, regional integration and fight against poverty’.

Improving infrastructure in Africa is necessary for increasing economic growth, promoting regional trade, and above all, for reducing poverty. In addition, trans-African networks make a key contribution to regional integration, which both acts as a motor for economic development and brings political stability and good governance. The EU-African Partnership on Infrastructure is at the heart of the EU’s Strategy for Africa, which the European Council approved last December, states the Commission's release.