The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon Jenelly Matundu led the Namibian delegation to the third EU–AU ministerial meeting earlier in May in Brussels, Belgium. The ministerial meeting served as springboard for the seventh AU-EU Summit which will take place later this year in Africa.

The EU-AU partnership spans 25 years since the inaugural Cairo Summit in 2000.

The ministerial meeting served as a pivotal moment to take stock of progress on the Joint Vision for 2030, adopted at the 6th EU-AU Summit in 2022, and to strengthen the collective agenda for sustainable development, peace, prosperity and shared values across both continents.

Deputy Minister Matundu highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic opportunity to promote sustainable development. Speaking on the theme of “Prosperity,” she called for strengthened collaboration between Africa and the EU, particularly in infrastructure, industrialisation, and skills transfer, to support the continent’s growth in line with AU Agenda 2063.

The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and H.E. Mr Téte António, Minister of External Relations of Angola and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council,

The ministers reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and a rules-based international order which effectively addresses global issues like climate change, security threats, and reforms of international institutions. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was lauded as a milestone for global governance.

EU Ambassador to Namibia, HE Ana Beatriz Martins, said “this ministerial meeting is a powerful reminder that Africa and Europe are not just neighbours – we are partners in progress. Our shared values, mutual interests, and joint ambitions are captured in the Joint Vision for 2030, and we are making real strides in translating this vision into concrete outcomes.”

Having celebrated 35 years of EU-Namibia and 25 years of EU-AU partnership recently on Europe Day, the ambassador continued “from sustainable investment to health, peace and education, we are building a partnership of equals that reflects the hopes of our 1.9 billion citizens.”