The Angolan capital, Luanda, is set to host the highly anticipated seventh European Union–Africa Summit this November, a pivotal gathering aimed at deepening strategic cooperation between the two continents.
The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a high-level meeting in Rome dedicated to the development potential of the Lobito Corridor — a key transcontinental infrastructure initiative.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the upcoming summit will be guided by a bold vision of shared prosperity, with a particular focus on youth empowerment, peace, security, and the future of migration.
“In November, we will meet in Luanda, at the Africa-Europe Summit, and we are committed to supporting ever-increasing skills among young African scientists and entrepreneurs,” she said.
“We are open to cooperation and giving greater capacity to startups to work.”
The European Commission president underscored the need for practical solutions that equip Africa’s rapidly growing youth population with the tools to drive innovation and lead the continent’s economic transformation.
She pointed to initiatives that support digital literacy, science, and entrepreneurship as critical pillars of the new strategic agenda.
Among the issues to be discussed in Luanda are human mobility, peacebuilding, and regional security — challenges that remain pressing across both continents.
The summit is also expected to address economic integration, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience.
The selection of Luanda as the host city is seen as a recognition of Angola’s emerging role in regional diplomacy and its strategic position along the Lobito Corridor, a key trade and logistics route connecting the Atlantic coast to Central Africa.
This will be the seventh iteration of the EU-Africa Summit, bringing together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society from both continents.
Expectations are high that the summit will not only renew commitments but also launch new partnerships rooted in mutual respect and forward-thinking cooperation.
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