On Thursday 18 October a financing agreement was signed by European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica and US billionaire Bill Gates – the same day that European leaders stated in Brussels that "EU-Africa relations are of paramount importance in a rapidly changing global landscape" and recorded in writing their resolve that EU-Africa cooperation be taken to "a new level, underpinned by the necessary resources".
Under this agreement, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will contribute up to €54 million to the EU External Investment Plan in the area of health in sub-Saharan Africa.
The European External Investment Plan for Africa and the neighbouring countries and the EU Trust Fund for Africa are mentioned by the European Council among the necessary resources for the strengthened partnership with Africa. The European Council welcomes the Commission's initiative for a new Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs (see EUROPE 12094) and calls for actions to be taken forward, including through concrete proposals for member states' involvement. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)