AEFJN 2024 Annual Report: Economic Justice and Hope for Africa

The theme of this year’s AGM, Economic Justice and Hope for Africa, resonates deeply with our focus areas and the principles of the Jubilee 2025. The Jubilee themes—cancellation of debts, liberation from bondage, restitution of land, and restorative justice—are deeply relevant to Africa today, as the continent faces land grabbing, food insecurity, economic exclusion, and exploitation of its resources. The Jubilee serves as a powerful call to advocate for systemic change in the global economy, aiming for a just and fraternal world.

Key Developments in 2024
The Executive Committee saw the co-option of Sr Marie-Hélène Gourdon, OLA-NDA to replace Sr Hortense Dossoumon, and we sadly mourned the loss of Fr David Gentry (1953-2024). His passing left a profound impact on our community, and we held a memorial service in his honor.

Our work at the International Secretariat saw new momentum, with Bro. Elvis Ng’andwe and Dr. Lawrence Pedregosa taking up roles in Brussels. Despite challenges, including legal and logistical adjustments to their contracts, their efforts have fostered a positive climate of collaboration and advocacy in Brussels.

AEFJN’s projects have made significant progress, particularly in Uganda with the Our Land is Our Life (OLOL) initiative, which advocates for land justice and food security through agroecology. Other activities include webinars, workshops, and ongoing collaborations with member congregations, all aimed at amplifying our advocacy for economic justice in Africa.

Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the Jubilee 2025, we are reminded of the urgency of our mission. The cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor in Africa require our unwavering commitment to justice and solidarity. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships and expanding our advocacy to create meaningful change for Africa’s future.

In conclusion, we express deep gratitude to our outgoing members and extend our heartfelt thanks to those who continue to support our work. Together, we strive to embody the spirit of the Jubilee and promote hope and justice for Africa.

Bro. Alberto Parise, Comboni missionary
President, AEFJN Executive Committee

AEFJN 2024 Annual Report:
Executive Secretary Report-Key Highlights

In 2024, the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) continued its mission of promoting justice, food sovereignty, corporate accountability, and equitable Africa-Europe relations. This year, the organization made significant strides in addressing food security, advocating for trade justice, and holding corporations accountable for their impact on Africa’s communities and resources.

Key Achievements:

1. The “Our Land is Our Life” (OLOL) Campaign:
   AEFJN’s OLOL campaign focused on food security, agroecology, and land justice. The Adjumani pilot project in Uganda was a standout success, helping 191 farmers cultivate sustainable crops across 18.5 acres. While the project faced challenges such as delayed funding, it marked a significant step toward empowering local communities through agroecology and food sovereignty.
2. Trade Justice:
   AEFJN continued to advocate for fairer trade agreements between Africa and Europe, pushing back against exploitative policies like the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The organization emphasized the need for Africa to be recognized as an equal partner in its engagements with Europe, particularly in sectors such as raw materials and agriculture. Advocacy for debt relief and corporate accountability was central to this effort.
3. Corporate Accountability in Raw Material Extraction:
   With Africa playing a key role in the global energy transition, AEFJN focused on ensuring ethical mining practices. The organization pushed for a binding international treaty to hold corporations accountable for human rights violations and environmental harm. AEFJN’s collaboration with African and European partners aims to ensure that local communities benefit from Africa’s natural resources.
4. Faith-Based Collaborations:
   AEFJN fostered stronger partnerships between African and European faith-based organizations (FBOs), advocating for decolonized development aid that prioritizes local ownership.

Strategic Priorities for 2025:
Looking ahead, AEFJN plans to expand its work on ethical raw material extraction, migration policies, and research-based advocacy. The organization is also set to expand its team, aiming to hire new staff in Africa and Brussels to enhance its ability to engage at both local and international levels.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of progress and challenges for AEFJN. As the organization looks to 2025, it remains committed to promoting justice and equality in Africa-Europe relations, with a focus on ethical resource management, food sovereignty, and stronger partnerships.

Elvis Ng’andwe (M.Afr)
Executive Secretary - AEFJN