Lamola calls on EU to move Africa ties beyond raw material exports

what happened

EWN reports that International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said African countries should focus on attracting investment that extends beyond exporting raw materials. Discussions between Africa and Europe cover critical minerals, energy cooperation, migration and practical steps to reinforce economic ties.

Lamola said Africa could benefit from the European Union’s capacity-building efforts, including support for specialised training in financial crime, cybercrime and counterterrorism, as well as stronger institutions. He added that the continent’s youthful population could make an important contribution to the energy transition, including research and development in artificial intelligence.

why it matters

For markets, the remarks signal an effort to broaden Africa-EU economic cooperation beyond extraction and commodities toward skills, institutions, energy and technology. The emphasis could shape discussions around the composition of future investment and industrial partnerships.