THE EUROPEAN UNION AND AFRICA’S STRATEGIC ENERGY PARTNERSHP IN THE COMPLEX GLOBAL ARENA
THE EUROPEAN UNION AND AFRICA’S STRATEGIC ENERGY PARTNERSHP IN THE COMPLEX GLOBAL ARENA

Author(s): Kudzai Cathrine BINGISAI
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Geopolitics
Published by: Presa Universitara Clujeana
Keywords: European Union; African Union; energy security; strategic partnership; sustainable development
Summary/Abstract: The Africa-European Union (EU) relations have been ongoing amidst the complex global challenges. The international system is experiencing a restructuring process within the energy sector market. This study aims to examine the Africa-EU Energy Partnership's role in promoting energy security amidst the complexities of the global arena. This paper contributes to the understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the joint efforts in promoting energy access and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7. This paper employs qualitative methodologies, drawing on the perspectives of 16 participants through in-depth interviews. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The results indicate that opportunities for enhancing energy security in Europe and Africa are rooted in a mutually beneficial collaboration (win-win partnership). Equally important, the two actors have facilitated energy trade relations and investments to improve energy accessibility and availability through enhanced infrastructure projects. However, this paper identifies energy geopolitics, the economic slowdown, and a lack of energy infrastructure development as some of the factors undermining the successful implementation of energy-related projects. In this study, continuous research and energy innovation projects are vital in navigating the Africa-EU roadmap to energy security.

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