Economic connectors and Finance

## Cluster 2: Economic Connectors and Finance Africa and Europe are navigating a period of profound economic, environmental and geopolitical change. Climate change, shifting patterns of global trade and investment, demographic growth, technological transformation, increasing debt pressures and changing international partnerships are reshaping how sustainable development is financed and delivered. At the same time, African countries are advancing ambitious continental agendas, while the European Union is redefining its external partnerships through initiatives such as the Global Gateway, the Green Deal and evolving economic security policies. ECDPM's Economic Connectors and Finance cluster works at the intersection of these transformations. We support policymakers, regional institutions and international partners in designing policies and partnerships that promote sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic development. Our work combines political economy analysis with practical policy engagement, recognising that successful reforms depend not only on sound technical solutions but also on the institutions, incentives and political dynamics that shape implementation. The cluster brings together expertise across economic transformation, regional integration, climate and green transition, sustainable food systems and development finance. By connecting these areas, we seek to strengthen coherence between European and African policy agendas and contribute to partnerships that generate shared prosperity, resilience and long-term sustainability. Our work focuses on four interconnected areas: Economic Recovery and Transformation Sustainable economic transformation requires productive investment, competitive markets, resilient private sectors and effective public policies. We examine how Europe-Africa economic partnerships, investment frameworks and development finance can support inclusive growth, decent employment and structural transformation across African economies. Our work includes: * Private sector development and investment * Trade, industrialisation and value chains * Development finance and the European financial architecture * Sustainable finance and corporate governance * Women's economic empowerment * Economic governance and public finance Climate Action and Green Transition Climate change is fundamentally reshaping development pathways. We work on policies that support fair and locally driven green transitions while strengthening resilience to climate impacts. Our research explores how climate, energy and environmental policies can support sustainable development and stronger Africa-Europe cooperation. Our work includes: * Climate finance * Green industrialisation and renewable energy * Climate adaptation and resilience * The external dimensions of EU climate and Green Deal policies * Just and locally led transitions * Natural resource governance Sustainable Food Systems Food systems are central to economic development, livelihoods, nutrition and environmental sustainability. We support policies that enable more resilient, productive and inclusive food systems capable of responding to climate change, demographic pressures and changing markets. Our work includes: * Sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation * Food systems governance * Climate resilience and adaptation * Food security and nutrition * Investment and finance for food systems * Gender and inclusion in food systems African Economic Integration Regional integration remains one of Africa's most important drivers of long-term prosperity and competitiveness. We analyse the political economy of regional integration and support policymakers in implementing continental and regional initiatives that promote trade, investment and economic cooperation. Our work includes: * African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) * Regional economic communities * Trade facilitation and customs * Regional infrastructure and transport corridors * Industrial policy and regional value chains * Cross-border governance and economic cooperation