Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in Luanda, Angola to participate in the 7th African Union-European Union Summit, which commences this Monday. The summit marks 25 years of formal AU-EU cooperation, following the inaugural summit held in Egypt in 2000.
The AU-EU partnership focuses on human development, peace, security, good governance, and inclusive prosperity, with particular emphasis on empowering women and youth. Leaders attending the two-day summit are expected to engage on key areas including multilateralism, migration, mobility, governance, and economic cooperation. A joint communiqué is anticipated at the conclusion of the summit.
In terms of trade, the European Union is ranked as the top trading partner of African countries collectively.
Zimbabwe’s trade with Europe has also significantly expanded in the past four years.
According to information obtained from ZIMTRADE, total exports from Zimbabwe to the EU increased from US$452 million in 2020 to US$678 million in 2024.
The growth has been driven by demand for tobacco, the country’s minerals and semi precious stones.
The EU’s demand for Zimbabwe’s horticultural products is also on the rise.
