For too long, Africa has been reduced to a single story: poverty, conflict, and disease. But that story is outdated — and dangerously incomplete.
At ONE, we believe in amplifying African potential — not limiting it. And our Youth Ambassadors are leading the way in making sure EU leaders hear the full story. Here’s how we’ve been changing the narrative, one bold action at a time.
Step 1: Taking the story straight to the European Parliament
In May, ONE’s Youth Ambassadors came to Brussels with a clear mission: to challenge outdated narratives about Africa by advocating for global health investments — not as charity, but as strategic partnership.
During two packed days of lobby meetings, they met with over 20 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their teams. They asked them to support fully funding Gavi, a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half of the world’s children against deadly diseases, as well as the Global Fund that fights against aids, tuberculosis, and malaria.
These investments are not handouts — they are smart, long-term bets on a continent full of innovation and human potential.
Step 2: A joint letter to AU and EU leaders
Ahead of the AU-EU Foreign Ministerial meeting, ONE’s Executive Directors Serah Makka (Africa) and Stephan Exo-Kreischer (Europe) sent a joint letter to ministers across both continents. Their message? Africa is not high-risk — it is being penalized by perception.
The letter outlined how biased credit ratings and outdated financial frameworks are artificially inflating the cost of capital for African countries — sometimes 6 to 12 times higher than rates in Europe. This system is costing the continent billions and blocking essential investments in health, jobs, and climate action.
But the cost isn’t just economic — it’s human. African governments are being forced to choose between servicing debt and investing in their people. To unlock prosperity, leaders must make it easier, not harder, for African governments to invest in their people.
This wasn’t just a letter. It was a challenge to old thinking — and an invitation to build a real partnership based on trust, equity, and return on investment.
Step 3: A youth open letter to EU development leaders
Youth Ambassadors also penned an open letter to the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships and to European development ministers co-signed by 70+ youth activists. The message? Fund Gavi and the Global Fund. Not out of pity — but because it’s the smart choice for shared global progress.
This open letter reframes global health as part of a mutual investment strategy, not a donation. Because healthy communities lead to strong economies. And strong African economies are good for everyone.
Step 4: Reclaiming the narrative on Africa Day
To mark Africa Day, Youth Ambassadors across Europe are raising awareness among their peers and communities — many of whom don’t know the history behind the day, or why it matters.
Originally commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963, Africa Day is a celebration of unity, freedom, and the continent’s ongoing journey toward shared prosperity. But for Youth Ambassadors, it’s also deeply personal.
They are using this moment to share what Africa Day means to them, and why it’s time for Europe to view Africa not through outdated stereotypes, but through the lens of potential, innovation, and leadership.
The truth is that Europe needs Africa as much as Africa needs Europe.
We are proud to stand with youth across Europe and Africa who are speaking truth, building partnerships, and changing the narrative — one action, one letter, one meeting at a time.
It’s time for EU leaders to follow suit. Not out of charity. But because investing in Africa is investing in our shared future.
