The Federal Cabinet has agreed on a common direction in Africa policy: to promote good governance as well as economic progress, the ministers adopted guidelines.
According to Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD), these reflect „the growing importance of Africa and the increased engagement of Germany“. The role of African countries in the global economy continues to gain influence. „Our interest is for Africa to focus more on Europe and to shape our future together,“ Maas said. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said that the well-being of Germany and Europe is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of the neighboring continent.
Seibert identified five key objectives of German Africa policy, which were based on the African Union’s Agenda 2063:
Firstly, peacebuilding and stability should be provided for by the establishment of security forces in countries such as Mali and Nigeria – especially in the fight against terrorism.
Second, the federal government is focusing on encouraging private investment to boost the economy and focus on sustainability.
Thirdly, there is a need to improve local living conditions in order to regulate migration and combat the causes of flight.
Fourthly, we want to strengthen international institutions and agreements.
fifthly, intensify contact within civil society – for example in the form of educational exchange in university cooperation.
Existing guidelines from 2014 have been developed further for the new agreements, the Foreign Office said. They should serve to better channel the work of the individual ministries with and in Africa.
