At the upcoming AU–EU Summit in Luanda, the question is not just how Europe engages with Africa, but whether the African Union is ready to lead boldly and independently. From AfCFTA’s untapped potential to the continent’s control of critical minerals, Africa holds immense leverage in shaping global trade and the green transition. Yet, without narrative power, fiscal autonomy, and strategic unity, that leverage risks slipping away.

What does “partnership” really mean when power is so unevenly distributed? And when Africa is constantly referred to as “the future”, who gets to own, shape, and benefit from that future?

Climate action in the Global South may not stem from global ideals, but from local, tangible benefits. Instead of moral appeals, effective advocacy must focus on personal gains like lower energy costs or better air quality. Gain framing, not fear of loss, drives cooperation. To engage sceptics and unlock climate action, understand context, identify individual incentives, and show how action serves self-interest as well as the planet.

Inter-municipal cooperation is key to reducing CO2 emissions in metropolitan areas. Our study of 229 cities across 16 OECD countries shows that when local governments collaborate on transport, environmental outcomes improve. Fragmented or consolidated governance structures alone are not enough. Policy coherence, enforcement, and incentives for cooperation are critical to achieving climate goals at the city-regional scale.