The G7 leaders and African countries present in Biarritz concluded a new partnership framework for promoting entrepreneurship for women, digital transformation, transparency in public procurement and the joint fight against corruption.
The 'Biarritz Declaration for a G7 and Africa Partnership' was signed by the G7 Heads of State and Government, Egypt, Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
The signatories stressed the importance of a renewed partnership between the G7 and Africa to address the main challenges facing the African continent, including eradicating poverty, guaranteeing the right to education for all, securing high-quality health services and improving access to clean water.
They reaffirmed their "strong commitment to a partnership of equals, based on common objectives and designed to defend Africa's priorities".
With regard to peace and security in Africa, they welcomed the action plan adopted for the Sahel (see EUROPE 12313/6) and the decision by Canada and Japan to join the Sahel Alliance as observers.
They agreed to provide "strong support to reduce the digital divide and promote digital transformation in Africa".
They called for "reforms to lower the social, legal and regulatory barriers that prevent women from participating fully and freely in economic life and that hinder their empowerment".
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed "this stable partnership with Africa". He also applauded the launch of both the International Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, to which France will contribute €6 million and the EU €1 million, and the Afawa initiative, "which will enable African women to access credit and entrepreneurship", to which $251 million has been pledged (including $135 million from France). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)