The New German Policy in Africa

Abstract:

German policy towards Africa since the end of World War II has been characterized by permanent conservative policies, although they have increased since the late 1980s in the form of partnerships between Europe and the African Union. However, Germany’s policy towards Africa remained an integral part of the EU framework. Hence, the transformations and challenges associated with Africa caused a clear change in German defense policy, from the traditional conservative approach to an interest in launching partnership and cooperation initiatives with Africa.

Germany’s role in Africa is driven by a number of catalysts, including that Africa has a large population and natural resources and offers growing sales markets. Germany is also looking for an alternative to the shortage of energy supplies in the wake of the Russian-Ukrainian war, in addition to Germany’s desire to fill the vacuum resulting from the withdrawal of French forces from West Africa.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development announced the new strategy on January 23, 2023, through which it proposed to focus on six main areas of cooperation with African countries; The first is sustainable economic development, employment, and prosperity. This is done through the social and environmental transformation of the economy, conservation of vital natural resources, energy and infrastructure, trade, employment, migration, and digital transformation. The second is overcoming poverty and hunger and building social protection. This is done by advancing sustainable development, resilient agricultural and food systems, moving towards sustainable consumption and sustainable supply chains, and expanding social protection systems and access to education.