- Press Release
The Africa-Europe Foundation and GIZ join forces to strengthen the impact of inter-regional cooperation
- The Africa-Europe Foundation
Brussels, 28 November 2022. The Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) signed a multi-annual partnership agreement setting out joint action on ‘climate and development’, ‘health and digital innovation’ and ‘youth skills and leadership’. GIZ and AEF will also work together to help track and facilitate the implementation of the political and financial commitments between the European Union and African Union.
“With such an extensive international network, the Africa-Europe Foundation will be a valuable partner in building positive and cooperative relationships around important areas of action GIZ is involved in such as climate change, global health, sustainable infrastructure and youth empowerment,” said Andrea von Rauch, Director, GIZ Representation Brussels, speaking at the signing ceremony. “We are excited to partner with an organisation that focuses on the important and pressing topics concerning the relationship between Europe and Africa and look forward to bringing our implementation experience and network of African partners on board."
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“We are excited to partner with an organisation that focuses on the important and pressing topics concerning the relationship between Europe and Africa and look forward to bringing our implementation experience and network of African partners on board.”
AEF Executive Director Paul Walton stated that “The partnership between Africa and Europe will only have meaning if its gains and benefits are understood by our societies. Catalysing cooperation and facilitating practical areas of implementation will be key as well as opening up the space for all stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, cities, media, and giving a central role for youth voice, agency, and leadership. In such a context, GIZ is a natural partner of choice for AEF in transforming Africa-Europe relations into action.”
Andrea von Rauch, Director, GIZ Representation Brussels and AEF Executive Director Paul Walton at the signing ceremony in Brussels
“GIZ is a natural partner of choice for AEF in transforming Africa-Europe relations into action.”
The multi-annual partnership agreement for the programming phase 2022 to 2025 provides a framework to deepen outreach and engagement with citizens and leaders from diverse organisation settings across Africa and Europe including through AEF’s role as a “network of networks” and expansion of the AEF micro-grant scheme with young organisations across the neighbouring continents. GIZ will also bring expertise from the field to the AEF multi-stakeholder ‘Strategy Groups’ and other dialogue formats in domains from health to energy, agri-food and blue economy. The partners will also join forces in reinforcing Africa-Europe’s role within the global arena.
About the Africa-Europe Foundation
The Africa-Europe Foundation was co-founded by Friends of Europe and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with the African Climate Foundation and the ONE Campaign. Its purpose is to strengthen Africa-Europe relations by facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue, catalysing partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities.
About Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GIZ is a leading service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, with over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security.