Africa
Africa is on the rise! New guidelines for Germany's Africa policy pay tribute to that. Its principles are crisis prevention, the rule of law and the improvement of the security sector. This new policy also includes "Aktion Africa", a high-level cultural support programme.
Africa is on the rise - a fact, that is not only supported by economic statistics. Democracy and Ownership are more and more important in Africa. Germany responds with new guidelines for its policy on Africa - on the basis of German values and interests.
Read more: New guidelines for Germany's policy on Africa
Improving the security situation in Africa is one of the German Government's key goals. How this can best be achieved has been spelled out by the G8. In line with the priorities laid down by the G8, the Federal Foreign Office has developed its own G8 Africa Programme focusing on three areas of great significance for security in Africa: peace missions, police work and addressing the causes of conflict.
Read more: Peace and security in Africa
The country is scarred by conflicts, particularly in Darfur. The Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it has a wealth of natural resources. Germany actively supports political approaches to resolving these conflicts and seconds soldiers and police officers under two UN missions. The Sudan is also one of the main focuses of German humanitarian assistance.
Read more: Focus on: The Sudan
Germany is stepping up its cultural relations and education policy engagement in Africa which started in 2007 during Germany's EU-Presidency. It is clear that effective promotion of culture and education also enhances the continent's economic performance.
Read more: Aktion Africa - Cultural dialogue on equal footing
Africa has tremendous economic potential and development cooperation also aims at strengthening local economies. Debt relief initiatives cut the poorest states' foreign debt burden to give these countries more financial means to combat poverty. The Kimberley process prevents trade in combat diamonds.
Read more: Economic and Development Cooperation
