Africa strategy of the federal government respect but also influence

Svenja Schulze has a positive outlook that remains constant even when she discusses less positive subjects. The Development Minister (SPD) arrived at her ministry after midnight on Tuesday and exudes a positive attitude.

She extended an invitation for him to discuss the new "Africa strategy" of the federal government. For a variety of reasons, the relationship between Europe and Africa is complex.

The first topic brought up by the minister is the period at the start of the pandemic when the initial vaccines were created. Schulze inquires, "What did the rich countries think of first? Of course, about themselves," and adds the response right away.

In spite of the fact that it is obvious that doing so would have made much more sense in the long run to delay the corona virus, vaccine doses were hoarded rather than being distributed globally. According to Schulze, you can't guarantee that the situation will change in the event of the next pandemic, but you should make every effort to enable Africa to produce its own vaccine in the event that it does.

"That's the kind of respectful communication we need to have with one another. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the regional director for Africa for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is standing next to her.

She calls the traffic light coalition's plans "inspiring" and adds some tastefully poisoned praise, saying that it is clear that Germany, as a member of Europe, has "made a development" in its view of Africa. Everyone is in agreement that "respect" should be a defining quality of the new relationship, and that the ultimate goal is to establish an equitable partnership.

According to Schulze, Germany's involvement in Africa is in no way motivated by charitable giving. The fact that a German flag is flying somewhere is irrelevant.

The opposite is true. That you have financial interests is not a secret.

In fact, Africa is economically intriguing for a variety of reasons, including Schulze's mention of natural resources, wind, and sun, which should all contribute to better meeting Germany's future energy needs. Wind and sun in Africa should also suffice to meet Germany's energy needs. Additionally, there is agricultural "potential," to use Schulze's phrase.

Africa is a young continent above all, in contrast to Europe. Since it's so difficult to find qualified candidates for positions here, Europe hopes to draw some of these numerous young people as specialists.

Naturally, however, there would also need to be a significant increase in the number of jobs created on the continent itself. According to Schulze, 25 million new jobs would be required annually. Even for such a big continent, that is an enormous amount.

One also wants to assist there, and entrepreneurship ought to be encouraged. German efforts should, in general, concentrate on creating a climate-friendly economy, agriculture free of imported seeds, as well as the development of better social and health systems - also to prevent mass migration, new pandemics, and high CO2 emissions.

The alliance for global food security is also designed to provide a faster and more coordinated response to hunger crises. Women's issues are being prioritized across the board, with the Development Ministry aiming to increase the percentage of funds that "contribute directly or indirectly to gender equality" from the current 64 to 93 percent by 2025.

This covers better access to contraceptives as well as the encouragement of female entrepreneurs. The continent is "greatly hungry for democratic structures." China and Russia are also attempting to increase their influence on the continent. Europe is not the only country that is interested in Africa's economic potential.

What makes Europe more interesting as a partner than, say, China is a question posed to UNDP Director Ahunna Eziakonwa. Eziakonwa asserts that various regions have various advantages as business partners.

Additionally, you won't be able to identify a point of contact. However, in Africa there are.

According to Schulze, you can't guarantee that the situation will change in the event of the next pandemic, but you should make every effort to enable Africa to produce its own vaccine in the event that it does.