by Uschi Eid, Berlin

‍

‍

A plethora of foreign policy challenges await the new federal government: the growing tensions in the transatlantic alliance and global power shifts, Russia's war against Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East, the threatening global warming and the disappearance of biodiversity, the growing world population with simultaneous aging in Europe, the challenges of digitalization, cyberwar and the correct use of artificial intelligence, but in particular the system competition between the liberal world and an authoritarian countermodel.

‍

Europe will not be able to find solutions to these challenges alone, but will depend on partners to do so. And Africa, as our closest neighbour, is a natural partner. After all, whether the challenges mentioned above remain manageable and whether joint solutions are found to the crises of the present day also depends largely on developments there. Africa's global weight will continue to grow: demographically, geopolitically, economically, security-politically, climate-politically, culturally. By the middle of this century, the continent is likely to have around two and a half billion inhabitants and thus a quarter of the world's population. As Europe grays out, every third new child to the world will be born in Africa. It is still unclear whether this largest generation of young people of all time will find work and life prospects and develop Africa into a new growth pole in the global economy. How climate-friendly Africa industrializes will have an impact on the achievement of international climate goals. And the question of which political alliances the 54 African UN member states enter into is also likely to influence the future of the liberal world order. Africa will shape the 21st century — one way or another.

‍

Is this sufficiently recognized in German politics? It is true that attention for Africa has increased in recent years. For example, the Federal Foreign Office recently issued African policy guidelines which aim to provide the framework for coherent African policy action by the Federal Government, which for the first time is based on specific interests — a long overdue step in the right direction. New consulting networks for companies willing to invest have also focused on economic cooperation. But in political debates, Africa policy continues — whether explicitly or implicitly — often under the heading “Combating the causes of flight.” And far too often, such discussions are still being discussed via Africa spoken in a tone of benevolent care instead of with Africa as a strategic partner for tackling common challenges.

‍

In many discussions with African partners, the desire for closer cooperation became clear. But it was also clear that “continuing as before” is not enough.

‍

Create more local added value instead of ever new strategy papers

‍‍

The next German government should adopt an attitude towards Africa that sees this continent as an independent political subject; as a strategic partner with its own responsibility, with its own will to act and its own options for action. With its “Agenda 2063,” the African Union has drawn up a vision for the African continent. Their motto “The Africa we want” reflects the self-confidence of African states and reinforces a common African idea. This outlines a path that should move Africa away from the recipient continent for development aid to an important factor in the global economy. The establishment of the African Free Trade Area was a decisive step in this direction and is intended to ensure more economic growth and jobs. It can be seen as a turning point for more added value in Africa and an overcoming of one-sided dependence on raw material exports. Together with its European partners, the Federal Government should offer all possible support to overcome the hurdles to their implementation. Germany need not be afraid to promote the ideas of the ecological-social market economy. In addition, the German medium-sized economy in Africa is widely regarded as exemplary. However, African states will have to find their own form of an inclusive economic system. In no case should it be overlooked that a new generation of well-educated, ambitious Africans is ready to move their countries forward without wishing to be instructed from outside. That makes Africa attractive.

‍

To support this momentum, more investments, innovative collaborations and a greater willingness to take risks are needed. The aim must be for a local processing industry so that significantly more added value remains locally through local or regional supply chains. Our potential lies in innovative, dynamic, socially responsible and locally rooted entrepreneurship with small and medium-sized businesses that provide excellent conditions for cooperation with African entrepreneurs. The German economy, including the drive of diaspora companies, should contribute to supporting economic development in Africa and promote the development of new markets with its own entrepreneurial creativity and implementation energy.

‍

In order for Germans, together with African partners, to seize these opportunities, the new federal government should be more aware of the momentum in many African countries and anticipate future developments more strongly. This requires personnel and political investments in structures for continuous exchange with African partners, rather than in ever new strategy papers. One of the most important steps would be to set up a special representative for economic relations with Africa as a central point of contact and information for companies. This position could be based at the Ministry of Economy. There is also a need for increased cooperation in the area of education and training. A joint training center of the German industry for vocational education and training in developing countries, with a focus on Africa, would not only be an important contribution to strengthening growth in Africa, but also a long-term investment for growth and employment in Germany. There is also a need for more intensive research cooperation, wider technology transfer and exchange programs at all stages of the educational process. It should be obvious to draw mutual benefit from this, especially in view of the major challenges of recruiting skilled workers. In addition, a general expansion and deepening of German expertise in Africa is necessary for politics and society, and where it exists, it must be incorporated into political discussions by closing the gap between science and politics. It is therefore urgently necessary to promote applied African research in university and non-university scientific institutions, such as the African Research Economic Cluster or the Megatrends Africa Project.

‍

Instead of continuing to present Africa as a continent of problems for which solutions need to be devised, Germany should recognize the potential contribution of African states to solving common problems, from curbing climate change to maintaining biodiversity and opening up new markets. Obvious asymmetries should not be concealed by conjuring up “equal eye level,” but should be named and used productively. In Germany, skilled workers are becoming scarce — African youth need jobs. There are large savings here and hardly any income left — there is an immense need for real economic investment.

‍

Rely on the young generation as drivers of reform

‍

Politically, Europe, and therefore Germany, is well advised to attract new partners if it wants to help shape the international order in the 21st century with its values and interests. Not to mention the cultural enrichment that a self-critical and open encounter with Africa promises. It is important to put an end to self-overestimation. Africa isn't waiting for us. It will go its way—with or without us. Africa has options and whether these are in the interest of Europe or of African populations is an open question. What is certain is that the multilateral order can only continue to exist if it undergoes reforms that African states have been demanding for a long time. Germany supports African efforts for permanent seats on the UN Security Council and should continue to do so. When reforming international financial institutions, Germany, Europe and Africa can also achieve a great deal together and thus rebuild lost trust in mutual relations.

‍

Of course, it would be wrong to fall into activist Africa optimism in the face of some negative developments on the continent. Unfortunately, the military coups in West Africa have led to the return of dictators, military conflicts such as those in Sudan and in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are endangering the peace and security of entire regions and a number of old rulers have prevented reforms in their countries and young people's access to structures of self-empowerment and productive participation and participation in social and political life for decades. Nevertheless, it should not be overlooked that democracy is also rooted in African states and is met with a great deal of support, particularly among young people; this group will sooner or later take over the political leadership of Africa. With this young generation, we should jointly negotiate and further develop the rules for global cooperation in the 21st century.

‍

Africa is close — and yet Europe is so far away, that must change. By denying access to Africans through a restrictive visa policy and lack of curiosity on our part about the changes in our southern neighbour, Germany is missing out on great opportunities. The reduction of scholarships for African students is also a mistake that must be corrected. The basis of an honest relationship is coming to terms with the past. It is important to create access and encounter, to discover Africa's cultural heritage and to recognize and take its artists, intellectuals, parliamentarians and civil society actors seriously. This could be the most underrated key to a long-term and truly reciprocal partnership with Africa.

‍

‍

‍

Dr. Uschi Eid was Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (1998-2005) and personal representative for Africa of Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. She represented the Greens/Alliance 90 in the Bundestag for over 20 years. She spent three years professionally in Eritrea. She has headed the German Africa Foundation since 2015. Photo ©Heidi Scherm/DAS

‍