Instructs the European Development Fund to: a) create an investment index categorising African countries on the basis of structural risk factors such as political instability and ease of doing business

Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Development

From post-colonial policies to strategic partnership: A Marshall Plan for Africa?

As Africa is home to the world’s fastest growing economies and largest population growth rate, it is becoming an increasingly important corner of the ever-changing global geopolitical landscape. In the face of ongoing immigration concerns within Europe and growing Chinese competition globally, what role should the EU development policy and governmental international aid programmes play in shaping the future euro-african relations?

Submitted by: Urška Filipič (SI), Raya Giger (CH), Matyáš Hamilton Hatcher (CZ), Machteld Hammink (NL), Marcel Joda (PL), Igor Kaspin (UK), Stënaldo Mehilli (AL), Monica Ratinen (FI), Anca Savoiu (RO), Nicolò Setti (IT), Sydney Sturdivant (LU), Linn Wikner (SE), Kevin Boland (Chairperson, IE)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Drawing attention to the differing stages of economic and political development in African countries, B. Acknowledging mutual mistrust between Europe and Africa arising from historical colonial grievances and the rise of populism across Europe, C. Noting the inequalities in terms of human rights and the working conditions in the EU, China and Africa, D. Alarmed by the high investment risks in some African countries, E. Noting with concern the lack of a single EU investment policy in relation to Africa, with differing degrees of influence exerted by the Member States, F. Understanding that the utility of development aid depends on both the type and the circumstances under which it is provided, G. Considering the geopolitical challenges that are posed by the rising influence of foreign global powers across Africa, H. Concerned that African governments are prone to accept short-term solutions from external stakeholders due to endemic poverty and weakness of their democratic institutions, I. Taking into consideration the different production costs in Africa and the EU, J. Emphasising the importance of education, especially tertiary education, for the creation of a highly-skilled workforce, K. Concerned by the fact that unemployment and underemployment in many African countries are pervasive and on a rising trajectory, L. Acknowledging the importance of private sector investment in infrastructure development, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZ), M. Recognising that economic development relies on the enforcement of the rule of law, transparent institutions, and absence of corruption, N. Realising that economic migration is one of the causes of the economic instability in some African nations, O. Drawing attention to the fact that the already existing SEZs are being granted their special status for an insufficient amount of years; 1. Calls upon the European Commission to create an online platform to provide information about the benefits of European investment in Africa; 2. Urges European companies involved in foreign direct investments in Africa to uphold EU labour standards; 3. Instructs the European Development Fund to: a) create an investment index categorising African countries on the basis of structural risk factors such as political instability and ease of doing business, b) act in an advisory capacity for prospective investors and Member State governments, c) construct a framework of incentives to improve the current investment climate; 4. Invites African governments to implement the African Union (AU) Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the United Nations Convention against corruption; 5. Has resolved to work with the European Development Fund and African governments to create and support existing SEZs; 6. Encourages the EU Member States to promote local value chains, as well as value creation across Africa; 7. Urges African countries to establish long-term SEZs in which political stability and the effectiveness of the judicial system is safeguarded in collaboration with the European Development Fund; 8. Urges Member States to cooperate in the subject of foreign investments in order to maximise their leverage when dealing with local stakeholders; 9. Advises the European Commission to promote private sector investment in the African labour markets; 10. Urges the European Commission to highlight the long-term impact of EU development plans in Africa; 11. Reaffirms the importance of protectionist tariffs to shield African countries from unfair global competition; 12. Suggests that African governments invest in equal access to education for males and females through implementing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development; 13. Recommends that African governments should include career orientation courses in university to ensure that higher education reflects the needs of the labour market; 14. Welcomes the further funding of scholarships for African students to receive higher education in Europe; 15. Asks the African Union Commission and African governments to further invest into the African Youth Charter so that more effective microeconomic interventions are provided; 16. Urges non-governmental organisations and investors to offer micro-financing opportunities in African countries which safeguards basic human rights.