The EuropAfrica Investment Forum 2026 concluded on October 2 in Brussels, Belgium, after three days of discussions between African and European policymakers on regional integration and bilateral trade development. Julien Paluku Kahongya, the Congolese Minister of External Trade, attended the forum and advocated for accelerated industrialization in Africa and increased local transformation of its natural resources. He highlighted the Democratic Republic of Congo's energy potential and infrastructure projects like Grand Inga as key drivers for the continent's industrial development.
Paluku emphasized the progress made by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing the integration of tariff concessions into the finance laws of member countries. He also noted the adhesion of central banks to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which facilitates cross-border commercial transactions in local currencies. According to Paluku, these developments are crucial for advancing continental integration and promoting economic growth.
During his intervention, Paluku called for a shift in the relationship between Africa and Europe, moving beyond traditional development aid and towards commercial and economic partnerships. He stressed the need for concrete actions to build shared prosperity, urging both parties to work together to achieve this goal. The forum, held under the high patronage of the European Parliament, concluded with the adoption of a roadmap aimed at promoting shared prosperity between Africa and Europe.
The roadmap is expected to contribute to the regulation of migration flows to Europe, among other objectives. Paluku's advocacy for accelerated industrialization and local resource transformation was echoed in the context of the African continent's vast natural resources and potential for economic growth. The DRC, with its significant energy potential, is well-positioned to drive industrial development in the region.
Paluku also highlighted the importance of improving infrastructure and logistics in the region, citing the example of the Dar es Salam port, which can now process Congolese cargo in two days, compared to ten days previously. This improvement is expected to boost trade and economic cooperation between the DRC and other African countries.
The EuropAfrica Investment Forum 2026 brought together African and European policymakers to discuss ways to strengthen economic ties and promote sustainable development. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and best practices in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
The adoption of the roadmap at the forum is seen as a significant step towards achieving the goals of the AfCFTA and promoting economic integration in Africa. The implementation of the roadmap will require close collaboration between African and European countries, as well as the private sector and civil society organizations.
Key points
- Julien Paluku calls for accelerated industrialization and local transformation of Africa's natural resources.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has made progress in integrating tariff concessions into member countries' finance laws.
- The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) facilitates cross-border commercial transactions in local currencies.
