Summit overview
European Union and African Union leaders have reaffirmed the central role of Africa’s diaspora, describing it as a “strategic asset” for investment, innovation and knowledge exchange. The commitment was formalised during the 42nd EU–AU Summit in Luanda, where both blocs pledged to reduce remittance costs and dismantle legal barriers that limit diaspora engagement.
With remittances to Africa reaching an estimated $95 billion annually, leaders stressed the need to channel these flows toward sustainable development at a time when youth unemployment and climate‑driven displacement continue to rise.
Why the diaspora matters
The joint declaration recognises diaspora communities as a bridge between continents, contributing capital, skills and networks that can accelerate structural transformation. Governments highlighted the role of diaspora‑backed SMEs and startups in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional value chains.
Angolan President João Lourenço described the diaspora as a “bridge to shared prosperity”, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement “turns migration into shared opportunity”.
Commitments and policy actions
The summit outcome document sets out a series of measures aimed at making remittances cheaper and safer, and at removing legal and administrative barriers that constrain diaspora investment.
- Lower average remittance costs, currently at 6.5%, in line with global targets.
- Review legal frameworks that restrict diaspora access to financial services and investment opportunities.
- Expand youth mobility schemes, training programmes and innovation partnerships.
- Align diaspora engagement with the AU Innovation Agenda and AfCFTA implementation.
Challenges and criticisms
Observers note that implementation remains the real test. Previous commitments, including the 2017 Valletta Action Plan, promised lower remittance fees but delivered uneven results. Civil society organisations, including Amnesty International, cautioned that without clear timelines, accountability mechanisms and human‑rights safeguards, the new commitments risk repeating past shortcomings.
At the same time, irregular migration across the Mediterranean continues to rise, underscoring the tension between mobility as an opportunity and migration as a security concern in EU–Africa relations.
Looking ahead
The Luanda Agreement links diaspora engagement to broader conversations about historical justice, equitable partnerships and climate‑resilient development. With more than 60% of Africa’s population under 25, leaders argue that meaningful mobility pathways and lower remittance costs could reshape EU–Africa relations and turn short‑term transfers into long‑term economic gains.
Whether these commitments translate into tangible change will depend on sustained political will, transparent monitoring and genuine inclusion of diaspora and civil society voices in implementation.
