Africa-Europe Foundation Announces New Co-Chair and High-Level Group Appointments

The Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Charles Michel, President Emeritus of the European Council, former Prime Minister of Belgium, and Minister of State as its new Co-Chair, alongside Dr Mo Ibrahim.

At a time of profound transformation in Africa-Europe relations, Mr. Michel’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Foundation and its mission. His exceptional experience at the highest levels of European public life, combined with his deep understanding of Africa’s realities, aspirations and challenges, brings valuable leadership and a distinctive perspective to the Foundation.

As Co-Chair, Mr Michel will play a key role in shaping the Foundation’s strategic direction and advancing its mission to provide an independent, high-level platform for political leaders, business leaders, civil society and leading thinkers from both continents. Together, they will support dialogue grounded in trust, mutual understanding and a long-term vision for a stronger and more balanced Africa-Europe partnership.

The Foundation is also pleased to announce the appointment of 18 new members to its High-Level Group of Personalities (HLG). Bringing together eminent leaders from Africa and Europe, the HLG provides strategic guidance and independent advice to advance cooperation between the two continents. The new members bring extensive expertise and leadership across policy, business, diplomacy, civil society and international cooperation.

View the full list of High-Level Group of Personalities members here.

The appointment of Mr Michel’s a, alongside the new HLG members, strengthens the Foundation’s leadership and its capacity to foster strategic dialogue and help shape a shared agenda for Africa and Europe. Against a backdrop of geopolitical change and shared challenges, from climate and energy transitions to economic resilience and security, closer cooperation between the two continents is more important than ever.

The Africa-Europe Foundation looks forward to this new chapter and to working with its distinguished leaders to build bridges, deepen mutual trust and contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable and secure future for Africa and Europe.

New HLG Members

1. Abla Abdel Latif, Executive Director and Director of Research, Egyptian Center for Economic Studies (ECES)
2. William Asiko, Senior Vice President Africa Rockefeller Foundation
3. Benoît Chervalier, President Africa network at Business Europe and VP Africa MEDEF international, Chairman BCH INVEST Group, Executive Director Africa Chair Business and industry at ESSEC Business School
4. Maria Damanaki, Advisor to Oceans 5, Professor at NOVA University Lisbon, Former EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
5. Cristina Gallach, Interim Executive Director at GWL Voices, former Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, former UN Under-Secretary General
6. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Global Center on Adaptation and former President of Mauritius
7. Amadou Hott, Chair, Africa Advisory Board - Vision Invest Former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal
8. Hana Jalloul Muro, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, former Spanish Secretary of State for Migration
9. Christophe Lecourtier, CEO Agence française de Développement Group
10. Ali Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Government of Kenya
11. Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
12. Yemi Osinbajo, Professor of Law, co-chair of the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition, former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
13. Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, former Director of the French Treasury
14. Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, CEO, APRM Continental Secretariat
15. Macky Sall, Former President of the Republic of Senegal and former President of the African Union
16. Koen Vervaeke, former Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service
17. João Wengorovius Meneses, Founder and CEO of Hub 2050, former Secretary of State for Youth and Sports of Portugal
18. Samaila Zubairu, ONL, President and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation