This question was reiterated frequently during the Africa-Europe summit conference held in Cairo. The professor responded indirectly, contending that Africa needs Europe, not vice versa, and that the EU is eager to resolve the continent's political and economic problems and incorporate Africa into the world economy. This is the essence of the discord that dominated the Africa-Europe conference exchanges.
Raw materials are the only items that bring in income, keeping the ruling classes alive.
This is why it does not cross anyone's mind in Europe to apologise to Africa for the ages of plundering and colonisation. What is desired, rather, is the creation of bureaucratic and political obstacles to prevent African immigrants from entering Europe, as well as the signing of treaties to ensure that such immigrants return to their countries of origin. The object of such assistance is to contain poverty and famine, and encourage countries that can help themselves to develop and become potential markets for European products. Evidently Africa's turn has not yet come. Europe is currently more interested in the increasingly buoyant markets of Latin America and the promising markets of Asia.