EU-Africa sustainable prosperity must reach beyond economic growth, towards empowerment, inclusivity and opportunity for the people
Deputy Prime Minister Borg addresses the European Union-African Union Ministerial Meeting
Sustainable prosperity for Europe and Africa should be understood not merely as economic growth, but as a reflection of trust, cooperation, and inclusive human development that empowers the people and expands opportunities for all.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg addressed the Third European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Meeting, in Brussels on Tuesday.
Dr Borg stated that the EU-AU partnership should focus on “creating real choices rooted in opportunity, rather than necessity.” Malta actively contributes to this effort through skills partnerships, enterprise missions, capacity-building and vocational cooperation with several African partners.
“These initiatives contribute to enhanced private sector linkages and practical knowledge transfer. They must continue to be strengthened with targeted investments in digital literacy, skills development, and standardisation. We must also acknowledge the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and help ensure Africa’s youth acquire future-ready digital skills in an environment shaped by African priorities,” the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister said.
He also highlighted the empowerment of women and youth as a necessary requisite for effective sustainable development, peace and security, and economic growth in both continents.
On EU-AU trade, Dr Borg called for practical enablers to further develop connectivity between Africa and Europe, such as regional corridor development, sustainable investment facilitation, safe and secure maritime and aviation corridors and increased customs cooperation. “Malta also supports efforts to position the Mediterranean as a hub of green energy corridors between Europe and Africa, building on recent MED 9 declarations to further connect our continents and reinforce energy security,” he added.
In the margins of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Borg also held bilateral talks with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Libya, Taher Al-Baour, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia, Mohamed Ali Nafti, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos Hessebon, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Gabon Régis Onanga Ndiaye.
