Advocating for Equitable and Transformative EU-Africa Trade and Investment Relations
Structural transformation, rather than structural adjustment in Africa is critical for promoting industrialization for decent jobs, value addition, increasing the continent’s trade share and developing regional value chains.
Unfortunately, the past and current EU-Africa relationship is highly asymmetrical and skewered in favor of the EU. Initiatives and frameworks put in place by the EU i.e. first and second Yaoundé Conventions (1964-1969, and 1971-1975 respectively); Lomé Conventions (1975 and 1999), and the successor Cotonou Partnership Agreement (2000-2021), EU-Africa Joint Strategy and Post Cotonou Partnership Agreement have entrenched the power imbalances, and exacerbated Africa’s commodity dependence.
The present COVID-19 pandemic puts into question the neoliberal paradigm that has governed global policies. It is also therefore opportune for to Re-assess, Review and Restructure the EU-Africa trade and investment relations in order for Africa to achieve her development aspirations.
In a bid to promote fair-trade between Africa and Europe, SEATINI Uganda advocates for Equitable and Transformative EU-Africa Trade and Investment Relations.
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