The visit highlighted the growing importance of EU–Ethiopia economic cooperation and the strong interest in turning dialogue into concrete business and investment opportunities. In his capacity as Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr Síkela is responsible for building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide and for strengthening the profile and impact of the Global Gateway program. 

What is Global Gateway?

Launched in 2021 by the European Commission and the EU High Representative, Global Gateway is the EU’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while also strengthening health, education and research systems globally. Through a Team Europe approach, it aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in investments for 2021–2027, with a focus on high standards, transparency and sustainability. 

Africa is a key partner under Global Gateway; an early milestone was the Africa–Europe Investment Package with around €150 billion dedicated to strengthening partnerships with Africa. The Commissioner’s program in Addis Ababa also included engagement with the African Union on strengthening the AU–EU partnership in areas such as trade, investment and infrastructure development. 

 

Připravil: Ing. Roman Plevák, Ph.D., vedoucí sekce obchodu a ekonomické spolupráce na Velvyslanectví ČR v Addis Abebě