It is widely accepted that that the African continent is at the frontline of the climate challenge and the most vulnerable. This is because of the disproportionate impact of climate change on the continent despite the fact that the continent historically contributed minimally to the causes of climate change. The problem in Africa is exacerbated by the high dependency on nature for sustenance and wellbeing across the continent. Recognising the challenges posed by the global climate crises and acknowledging the lack of capacity within the African continent to address the challenges, the African Union (AU) has framed its approach broadly around climate justice, climate finance and sustainable development. This approach is reflected in key strategic framework that has emerged from the continent including the AU’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032); African Union Green Recovery Action Plan 2021-2027, Agenda 2063 and the structuring of the African Union’s Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) Directorate.

Most importantly, the AU approach leverages on international partnerships. The European Union (EU) has been a long-standing partner of the African Union on a wide range of issues, including a joint commitment to multilateralism in relation to climate change and biodiversity. At the same time, it is notable that the EU’s approach in its Green Deal and associated policies on carbon neutrality is predicted to have spill over effect in Africa which could be potentially negative. Such negative impact could emerge with regard to export of natural resources, food production, water utilisation and competitiveness. The challenge for the EU in its approach to partner Africa on climate issues is to balance its overarching ambitions with the needs of the continent and the approach of the AU. In addition, it will also need to take into account ‘competitors’ to the partnership approach especially from China which has made inroads in AU Member States and in the AU itself.

Within this context, the paper aims to address the EU’s role as the AU’s strategic partner on the matter of climate justice. In particular, the paper will analyse the cooperation framework between the EU and the AU with an emphasis on evolving role of climate justice on the agenda. Most importantly, it will address the key political and legal developments to identify the EU’s ability to recognise the challenges faced by the African continent reflected in the instruments used in the relations between the parties.

While the European Investment Bank's (EIB) external operations remain largely unexplored, signs point to an expansion. This article demonstrates and examines the EIB's increased activity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), utilizing Hall's framework of ideas, interests and institutions as an investigative lens. The article asks: Why, and how, has the EIB sought to expand into SSA? What (un)intended consequences might this expansion have? The contribution enriches the discourse on re-aligning the European Financial Architecture for Development, by analysing the EIB’s inter-institutional operations. The findings reveal a financialized vision for Africa, and tensions between growth aspirations and core development objectives.