President of Republic, President of the African Union Spain’s new Strategy Toward Africa will play Pivotal Role in Bilateral Cooperation
His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, affirmed that Spain’s new strategy towards Africa would play a pivotal role in enhancing cooperation between Spain and Africa.
This strategy will enable the establishment of exemplary, mutually beneficial partnerships. He reiterated the African Union’s readiness to collaborate with Spain to implement this plan.
This was stated in a speech delivered by His Excellency on Thursday at the ceremony introducing Spain’s new strategy towards Africa, held in Madrid, the Spanish capital.
Here is the full text of the speech:
“Your Excellency Mr. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain,
Mr. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European Union and European Cooperation,
Mr. Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Mr. Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission,
Mr. Minister of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Senegal,
Your Excellencies, Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to begin by renewing our solidarity and sympathy with the people and government of the Kingdom of Spain following the painful events caused by the recent floods, which resulted in loss of lives and significant material damage.
Once again, Mr. Prime Minister, we express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with you.
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my friend Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, for inviting me to participate in this important ceremony introducing Spain’s Africa Strategy (2025–2028).
I am equally grateful to him and the Spanish government for the warm reception and care extended to me and my accompanying delegation since our arrival in this magnificent capital, Madrid.
Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
Undoubtedly, the close geographical and cultural ties between Spain and Africa have been the foundation of our rich, fruitful, and diverse cooperation, characterized by a spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and a constant focus on shared interests and values.
The scale and complexity of the challenges we face together today—whether related to climate, security, migration, or other aspects of sustainable development—require us to deepen and further enhance this cooperation within a strategic partnership framework.
In this context, I would like to express my great appreciation for the ambitious initiative represented by the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028. It has been designed within a spirit of partnership and collaboration, enabling both parties to better define their shared priorities and fully leverage their respective potentials in a spirit of solidarity and complementarity.
Today, amidst the global transformations of the 21st century, Africa—with its natural resources, cultural diversity, demographic dynamism, and vast market—needs strong and dynamic partnerships more than ever, based on respect and a keen desire to achieve mutual interests. This is precisely the framework offered by the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028.
This ambitious initiative undoubtedly aligns with our ongoing efforts to address our shared challenges and is built on priorities critical to the African continent, fully consistent with Agenda 2063.
Human development is at the heart of these priorities, as no sustainable development goal can be achieved without substantial investment in education, healthcare, youth training, and the robust inclusion of women in development processes. This is particularly important in Africa, where over 62% of the population is under 25 years old. Special attention must also be given to ecological and energy transitions.
Paradoxically, while Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is among the regions most severely affected by the devastating impacts of climate change. We must therefore continuously work on developing innovative, sustainable, and appropriate solutions, particularly in the field of renewable energy.
Africa’s potential in this domain offers a remarkable opportunity for the continent, Spain, and Europe. However, maximizing these opportunities requires peace and stability, as well as relentless efforts to combat insecurity, terrorism, and irregular migration flows.
In this regard, we extend our gratitude to Spain for its support in combating terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration, as well as its commitment to inclusive and transparent governance.
We are particularly pleased to commend Spain’s strategy towards Africa, which places significant emphasis on economic and trade integration. This is especially pertinent as Africa is making rapid progress in its regional integration, as evidenced by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
I take this opportunity to invite Spain and Spanish companies to play an active role in this dynamic by promoting mutually beneficial investments.
We are particularly delighted with Spain’s commitment to tripling its aid to the Sahel region, a vital initiative that will help improve the living conditions of millions in a region facing multifaceted challenges, ranging from security to economic development.
However, we must establish mechanisms to ensure that the commitments made here materialize into tangible realities for our populations as soon as possible.
I am confident that this meeting will mark a critical turning point in the cooperative relations between Spain and Africa.
Together, Spain and Africa can—and must—build a model partnership that is mutually beneficial.
In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm the African Union’s full readiness to cooperate with Spain in implementing the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028.
Thank you for your attention”.