In this discussion paper, Prof. Robert Kappel analyses the current EU-African economic relationship and the EU�s Joint Communication »Towards a Comprehensive Strategy with Africa« in this pivotal year 2020 in which the nature of the cooperation between the European Union and Africa is being (re-)negotiated. He criticizes that while the Comprehensive Strategy with Africa seems to be a step forward heralding a new era of relations, it does not meet the challenges in all respects. The author estimates the socio-economic consequences of the COVID19-pandemic for Africa to be so far-reaching that the economic cooperation between Africa and the EU must be readjusted. The strategy needs to be fundamentally revised above all to overcome the hitherto asymmetrical dependence and power relations. Otherwise, a renewal of the EU-Africa partnership cannot succeed.