Current state and prospective development of trade and cooperation relations between Europe and Africa: a multidimensional assessment

At present, the role of the African continent in the system of global economy is undergoing significant transformation. In the context of intensifying technological competition among major global production centers, African countries are increasingly viewed as promising partners for expanding cooperative ties and forming the basis for digital and green transition. Traditionally, Europe has been one of the key external economic actors in Africa; however, in recent years China’s economic presence in the region has grown considerably. This development creates a new configuration of competitive interaction and influences the evolution of global value chains. The purpose of this study is to identify current trends in the development of trade and cooperation ties between European and African countries through multidimensional statistical analysis. The methodological framework of the research is based on the theories of international trade and global value chains. The study employs quantitative analysis of key trade coefficients as well as comparative and trend analysis of integral indicators reflecting mutual trade attractiveness, the degree of production interconnectedness, and the technological proportionality of commodity exchange. The empirical basis of the research is formed by statistical data from UNCTAD Stat and the OECD Data Explorer. The analysis covers the largest countries of Africa and Western Europe (8 and 9 countries respectively) over the period of 1995–2022. The results show that despite a relatively low level of mutual trade attractiveness, cooperative links between the regions are gradually strengthening. Africa continues to retain a peripheral position relative to the European economic space, while the technological proportionality of traded goods demonstrates a growing trend. Overall, the dynamics of trade and cooperation relations between Europe and Africa can be assessed as positive, creating conditions for Europe to maintain competitive positions in Africa amid the strengthening presence of China.

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