The Global Gateway strategy aims to strengthen connections between Europe and the world and help partner countries address the digital divide and further develop a sustainable digital economy.
Digital technologies and services are proven enablers of sustainable development and inclusive growth. They can be key to improving lives even in the poorest countries, in particular by empowering women and girls, enhancing democratic governance and transparency, and boosting productivity and job creation.
Connectivity is also about infrastructure and connecting regions and cities. Building a road, a tunnel or a bridge to connect citizens to healthcare, markets, jobs and schools can radically improve the lives and livelihoods of rural communities. These connections will create new opportunities across entire regions. Poor infrastructure hampers a country’s growth and ability to trade in the global economy.
Programmes
![img_20210708_184131_756.jpg](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2022-02/img_20210708_184131_756.jpg?itok=qEpNXmVW)
The ACP-EU Programme to Strengthen Research and Innovation capacity in ACP countries targets public and private stakeholders with a comprehensive package of opportunities.
![BELLA logo](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2021-05/bella-logo.png?itok=0wUu6Gmo)
The BELLA Programme provides support for the long-term interconnectivity of European and Latin American research and education communities through ‘EllaLink’, a new 6,000 km submarine cable.
![prida_programme_resize.jpg](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2021-11/prida_programme_resize.jpg?itok=0dDPXYAv)
The PRIDA programme aims to promote universally accessible and affordable broadband across the continent, unlocking the benefits of internet-based services for all
![Genevieve, a peer educator - joined Yoma's 'Digital Livelihoods Challenge' in Burundi.](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2021-09/yoma_digital_livelihood_challenge_edition_2021_2_0.jpg?itok=9E46pXby)
The aim of the Smart Development Fund is to refine digital solutions to counter COVID-19 challenges in, and with, EU partner countries.
Latest news
On January 16 and 17, Commissioner Síkela participated in the Angola-France Economic Forum in Paris. The forum was an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with Angola, and to meet with the French private sector to discuss investment opportunities under the Global Gateway strategy in Angola.
![Visit of Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner, to Mauritania](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-064966/00-14.jpg?itok=qhTjXSxo)
During his mission to Mauritania, the European Union’s Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela signed a budget agreement with Minister of Economy and Finance and handed over EU-distributed security equipment.
![Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume, Minister of Mines DRC, Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of the Directorate General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, and Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships](https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-12/rmw24-1211-154342.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=LxGQjIAa)
Today, in the framework of Raw Materials Week, the Commission has officially endorsed the roadmap for its strategic partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo on raw materials, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to secure, sustainable, and resilient value chains for critical raw materials.