Entries open for the AU–EU Partnership Photography Competition
Applications are now open for the 2025 AU–EU Partnership Photography Competition – Through Our Lens. In anticipation of the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit, scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, from 24–25 November 2025, the African Union (AU) and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the AU have jointly launched the “#AUEU25 Through Our Lens” Photography Competition. This initiative forms part of a year-long celebration marking 25 years of the AU–EU Partnership, a milestone in intercontinental cooperation focused on shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development.
As both Unions prepare for the upcoming summit in Luanda to define the next phase of their strategic collaboration, the #AUEU25 Through Our Lens Competition invites young photographers aged 30 and below from Africa and Europe to document the essence of partnership through their lenses. Participants are encouraged to capture stories of community empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, health resilience, and cultural exchange, showcasing how AU–EU cooperation continues to shape lives and strengthen bonds across both continents.
The competition offers free entry and provides a platform for international recognition. The top 25 finalists will have their photographs exhibited in Addis Ababa, with a potential satellite exhibition in Brussels. In addition, selected works will feature in an online global gallery accessible through AU and EU missions worldwide. The photographs will also be widely promoted across official AU and EU digital and social media platforms, amplifying the visibility of emerging creative talent.
Grand Prizes
Two overall winners—one from Africa and one from Europe—will each receive a €500 cash prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to Addis Ababa for the award ceremony scheduled for early December 2025, and an exclusive speaking opportunity during the exhibition launch. The winners will also enjoy unique networking opportunities with AU and EU representatives, professional photographers, and creative industry leaders.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 7 November 2025
- Finalists Announcement: Mid-November 2025
- Award Ceremony: Early December 2025 (exact date to be confirmed)
About the African Union (AU)
Founded in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the African Union serves as the premier political and economic body uniting 55 member states across the African continent. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the AU works to promote peace, security, democracy, and socio-economic development. Through initiatives like Agenda 2063, the AU envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. The Union continues to advance continental priorities, from climate action to digital transformation, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
About the European Union (EU)
The European Union, established through the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, is a political and economic union of 27 member countries committed to promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity across Europe and beyond. Guided by values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development, the EU plays a leading role in international cooperation and global policy dialogue. Its longstanding partnership with the AU reflects a commitment to multilateralism and joint problem-solving on issues such as trade, security, climate resilience, digital innovation, and human development.
For further details on how to participate, visit the Official Webpage of the AU–EU Partnership (#AUEU25) Photography Competition.
