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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a firm call for strengthened multilateral cooperation on 25 November 2025, during the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola. The thematic session focused on multilateralism as the two blocs observed the 25th anniversary of the AU–EU Partnership.
What Happened
President Ramaphosa addressed African, European and global leaders, including Angolan President João Lourenço, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
He opened his remarks by congratulating Angola on its 50th anniversary of independence, describing the milestone as a reminder of Africa’s shared journey and collective aspirations.
Ramaphosa linked the African Union’s annual theme, “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” to the need for stronger global cooperation. He warned that geopolitical rivalry continues to strain the rules-based international order and stressed that South Africa believes global challenges are best resolved through a multilateral system rooted in the principles of the UN Charter.
Official Response
The President argued that major reforms are needed across global institutions, including the United Nations, the international financial system and global trade structures. He said developing economies must have a stronger voice and fairer representation.
“More than two thirds of UN General Assembly Member States still do not enjoy permanent representation on the Security Council,” he noted, adding that advancing Africa’s position under the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration is essential for legitimacy and credibility.
Ramaphosa noted that inequality in global trade continues to harm vulnerable economies already affected by debt, declining exports and reduced development assistance. He pointed to the outcomes of the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where world leaders reaffirmed commitments to support low- and middle-income countries.
He welcomed the G20’s recognition that reforming the World Trade Organization is vital to improving global trade systems. Such reforms, he said, must allow developing countries to pursue industrialisation, diversification and value-addition strategies.
Community Impact
According to Ramaphosa, stable and predictable global trade systems increase confidence for governments, exporters and workers. He emphasised that inclusive and development-centred trade will help Africa integrate meaningfully into the global economy.
As the AU–EU Partnership celebrates its 25-year milestone, Ramaphosa said the moment calls for renewed commitment to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan. He stressed that youth and women must remain central to this long-term vision.
In closing, the President urged African and European leaders to deepen economic, social and political cooperation as they shape the future of the partnership.
