Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for urgent global action to address Africa’s mounting debt crisis, advocating for mechanisms such as debt cancellation and debt-for-development swaps.
He also pressed for a renegotiation of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Europe and Africa to align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kalu made the call during a strategic meeting with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Fabio De Masi on the sidelines of his working visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.
De Masi, a prominent voice for economic justice in Europe, is affiliated with Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht and is a member of the Left Group (GUE/NGL).
Leading a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament’s Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs, which he chairs, Kalu underscored the need for a more equitable EU-Africa partnership, grounded in justice, mutual respect, and shared developmental goals. 
“This partnership offers a transformative opportunity to reshape EU-Africa parliamentary relations through the lens of justice, equity, and structural change,” Kalu stated. “We must pursue joint advocacy for debt cancellation, strengthen oversight on nations in debt distress, and reform global debt governance structures.”
Kalu emphasized the importance of aligning EPAs with AfCFTA, supporting Africa’s industrialization drive and eliminating non-tariff barriers. He noted that only 15% of Africa’s trade is intra-continental, while 80% of its exports remain raw commodities—a situation that calls for a renewed focus on value chain development, intellectual property protection, and industrial policy.
Key issues discussed at the meeting also included tax justice, climate finance, migration, and illicit financial flows (IFFs). Kalu advocated for a joint EU-AU working group to address IFFs, which drain Africa of over $88 billion annually—almost double the official development assistance it receives.
On climate change, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the imbalance in global climate funding, pointing out that Africa, despite being the most vulnerable continent, receives only 3% of global climate finance.
“Africa must be seen as a strategic partner, not a passive recipient, in the global green transition,” Kalu said. “We must prioritize African-led energy solutions and scale up investments in solar infrastructure. Africa holds 60% of the world’s solar potential yet receives less than 1% of global solar investment.”
He also called for the EU Green Deal to align with Africa’s Agenda 2063, particularly in climate adaptation, renewable energy access, and the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Touching on migration, Kalu argued that localised development remains the most effective solution to irregular migration. He advocated for the expansion of legal migration pathways such as Erasmus+, digital nomad visas, and talent mobility programs.
“Creating high-value jobs in Africa, especially in digital services, green industries, and manufacturing, is key to reducing irregular migration and offering young people a dignified future,” he said.
Kalu concluded by reaffirming the importance of building an EU-Africa relationship that reflects shared values and delivers tangible benefits to both continents.
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