Remarks by President von der Leyen at the G7 Session 1 (Africa)

Remarks by President von der Leyen at the G7 Session 1

Painting the picture of Africa's potential, like we just did, is the right way to do it.

Our partnership with Africa has grown from development aid to a partnership of equals.

This was our approach over the last five G7 summits.

China, Russia and the Middle-East understand the opportunities in Africa too. The G7's offer needs to be better.

Africa is increasingly realising the meaning of the small prints of Chinese investments across the continent.

The G7 does things differently. We offer True sustainable investment for the long term. Local and sustainable investments, that create jobs for the continent.

The pandemic showed that the G7 delivered for Africa. Thanks to the EU's support, the mRNA vaccine facilities in Uganda and Senegal are up and running.

We need to tell these stories a lot more.

The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), the G7's investment offer, foresees 250 billion dollars for Africa.

33 billion dollars have already been delivered for South and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Still, Africa needs more private investments. The forthcoming EU-Egypt conference can help show the way.

President Ruto of Kenya said: "We are not part of the problem, we are part of the solution". I very much agree.