ONE calls on G7 to walk the talk on improving relations with Africa
Elouardighi: If the G7 want to compete which China, it needs to make the better offer
As G7 leaders today are talking about “forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity” with the global south, the development organization ONE is calling upon the G7 to walk the talk on creating mutual beneficial solutions with Africa. With China increasing its influence on the African continent, the G7 needs make better offers to African countries.
Khalil Elouardighi, France Director at ONE, says: “The G7 need to actually deliver when they want to treat Africa like an equal business partner. Africa has options. When China is investing in the African continent, it is not doing this as charity but because they have understood that African growth is in their best interest. If the G7 want to compete with Beijing they need to make better offers to Africa.”
African leaders have repeatedly stated that they don’t want charity but beneficial partnerships. They are keen to move up in the global supply chains. Rather than being reduced to a provider of resources, the ambition is now to be part of the production process. African economies want to industrialize. With its Belt and Road Initiative, China is already investing heavily on the African continent. In order to compete, the G7 needs to offer more attractive deals. What is needed from the G7 are investments in Africa to:
- equip the growing young population with vocational training,
- build manufacturing capacities on the ground,
- and to build the infrastructure needed for a growing economy.
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Notes to the Editor:
- ONE representatives are on the ground in Évian and available for interviews and background briefings.
- ONE has published a new report showing how sharply G7 development assistance to Africa has declined: https://bit.ly/g7analysis2026
ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Since 2004, we have helped secure more than $1 trillion in new investments to build a safer, more prosperous world. Our trusted advocacy combines hard-hitting data, grassroots activism and political engagement to influence decision-makers and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.one.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2026
Contact: Scherwin Saedi, [email protected]