Sahel at the centre: How the EU is tackling Africa's toughest challenges with €150 billion
The European Union (EU) has committed up to €300 billion between 2021 and 2027 for sustainable and high-quality initiatives under its Global Gateway initiative. Half of this funding is earmarked to support Africa's development, with a significant focus on sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel region.
Emanuela Claudia Del Re, EU Special Representative for the Sahel, emphasised that 72% of this €150 billion funding is directed toward sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Sahel.
“This is to respond to the huge challenges that are affecting Africa in general and in particular the Sahel, which is probably the most difficult region at the moment,” she told Global South World.
The Sahel faces mounting instability, marked by multiple coups, escalating security threats, and developmental obstacles. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—countries currently under military regimes—are among the world’s ten most terrorism-affected nations. Vast regions in these countries remain outside government control, with the number of internally displaced persons rising steadily over the past decade.
Despite the instability, Del Re highlighted the EU’s commitment to sustainable and impactful partnerships with African nations. She described the EU as a vital ally, balancing humanitarian aid with long-term development projects.
“We will continue in our policy based on humanitarian aid and development cooperation,” she stated, highlighting the need for stability in countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
According to the Italian diplomat, human rights remain central to the EU’s approach, despite resistance from some African leaders who view these discussions as unwelcome. “Many countries often tell me, ‘Don’t talk about human rights,’” she revealed, describing such resistance as "racist" and counterproductive.
Del Re also weighed in on global geopolitical developments, including US foreign policy toward Africa. She downplayed the likelihood of significant changes in US-Africa relations regardless of electoral outcomes.
“I would say that most probably the foreign policy will not change drastically regarding certain general directions that the US has always taken,” she stated.
Many have contemplated the implications of a Donald Trump presidency on US-Africa relations. Analysts have forecast that Trump’s "America First" policy will take precedence, potentially limiting cooperation with African countries. However, Del Re noted that US policies promoting national interest resonate with current trends in many African nations.
Del Re also spoke of the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20, facilitated by India’s presidency. “This is a huge change,” she said, pointing to the additional representation of 54 countries.
Previously classified as an "invited international organisation," the AU gained full member status during the G20 summit in Delhi, India, in September 2023. This move places the AU on par with the EU, alongside major global powers like the US, Russia, and the UK.
She hopes this expanded participation will steer discussions toward more inclusive solutions on pressing issues like economic development and multilateral collaboration. “We cannot live on our own,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of interdependence in addressing global challenges.
Watch the full interview here:
