Written by Faith Mwende
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged African and European leaders to build partnerships grounded in equality, mutual respect, and shared growth rather than dependency.
Speaking at the second edition of the European Union’s Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, Kagame emphasized that true cooperation can only thrive when both sides view each other as equal partners with aligned interests.
“Cooperation only works when it is built on the right foundation. We are here to discuss partnerships; however, the term seems to mean different things to people. For some, it is about giving instructions and setting conditions; for others, it means complying,” Kagame said.
He added that Africa’s experience shows that unequal relationships have failed to deliver meaningful transformation. “A good partnership does not create dependency. It creates value,” he stated.
Kagame highlighted that in an increasingly interconnected world, economic and security challenges require collaboration rather than isolation. “The challenge is to make this integration equitable so that the opportunities and the benefits of growth flow both ways,” he noted.
The Rwandan leader’s remarks were viewed as a critique of traditional power imbalances between Africa and Western nations. “If you want to work with Africa, a true and lasting partnership must be equal, with shared risk and reward,” he asserted.
Outlining Africa’s priorities, Kagame pointed to investment in infrastructure, technology, and industries that will enable the continent to trade competitively on the global stage.
“For Europe, the opportunity is equally evident: Africa offers a growing market, talent, and the natural resources essential for the green and digital transformation. Our interests are aligned, and this is the right time to turn them into sustained, mutual growth. This is precisely what the Global Gateway can make possible, if we remain consistent and pragmatic,” he added.
The Global Gateway Forum brought together leaders from Europe and Africa, business executives, and international partners to explore ways to strengthen global connectivity, sustainable investment, and digital transformation.
