Registration on this page is to watch the event online. To attend in-person at the Oxford Martin School, please register at: 

https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/events/africa-europe-relations

The illusions that have long defined Africa-Europe relations are not just outdated—they are, Professor Carlos Lopes argues, actively harmful. As Africa repositions itself within a rapidly changing global order, clinging to legacy narratives only deepens inequality and missed opportunities.

This event, marking the presentation of a book already downloaded over 35,000 times, offers a candid critique of the misconceptions that continue to distort the relationship. Professor Lopes makes the case for a fundamental reset: one grounded in realism, mutual respect, and recognition of Africa’s growing agency. It is a call to move beyond comfort zones and face the hard truths needed to build authentic, future-oriented partnerships.

Prof Carlos Lopes is an Honorary Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, Visiting Professor at Sciences Po, Paris, and Associate Fellow at Chatham House, London. He has been associated with several high-level boards, including the Global Commission for Economy and Climate, Global Commission for the Future of Work, Global Commission on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation and the Commission on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa. 

'Time to reset : ending the self-deception in Africa-Europe relations' with Prof Carlos Lopes