Sommet de la Francophonie, Senegal - Main contents

First visit to Africa in my new role

I've just got back from the summit of French speaking countries in Senegal: le Sommet de la Francophonie. The event brought together Heads of State and Government from almost 80 countries in the world. Many of these were, of course, from Africa itself, which gave me the opportunity to meet the Presidents of important key partners of EU development and cooperation from the region.

Clearly, it was a great opportunity to introduce myself as the new EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development but also to have exchanged with them on burning challenges, future partnerships and on-going work in the region. In other words, it was a great chance to get down to business right away.

Many of these countries are facing challenges which the EU tackles in close partnership and dialogue with them: poverty, conflict and fragility, to name just a few. Our cooperation supports them on their way to achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

We are at the beginning of a new seven-year programming cycle with developing countries across the world, in which we will increasingly focus on areas where EU support can make a real difference and have the greatest impact. On Saturday, I had the opportunity of co-signing the so-called National Indicative Programme for EU cooperation with Benin under the 11th European Development Fund until 2020, with the Minister of Economy and Finances of Benin. Our support of €372 million will focus on three sectors: good governance, agriculture and energy.

I also signed an agreement of €20 million with Senegal, topping up ongoing budget support that the EU provides to the government in the area of sustainable development. The funding will strengthen national efforts in improving land management and fighting against land degradation.

To sum up: this short trip to Senegal - my first to Africa in my new role - was eventful and productive, and a great opportunity to meet so many Heads of State so early on in my mandate.