Relations between Europe and Africa are of strategic importance. With his trip to Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa, Foreign Minister Wadephul is continuing the close cooperation with major partners on the African continent. The focus will be on political and economic questions, as well as security issues and dialogue with the young generation.

Following his visits to Ethiopia and Kenya in January and Morocco in April, this is the Foreign Minister’s third trip to the African continent within just a few months. The reason? In light of global crises that are jeopardising global peace and security, regional stability, economic security and the sustainability of key natural resources, reliable cooperation with our African partners is of great importance.

Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul highlighted this, saying:

Mauritania: Partner for stability and sustainable development

For Germany and Europe, Mauritania is a reliable and stable partner in an otherwise fragile region. We have a common interest in working to prevent further destabilisation in the Sahel and in strengthening security in the region. Mauritania is relying on a holistic approach towards countering radicalisation and extremism. Through social projects it is systematically tackling radicalisation, with women in particular playing a crucial role. Foreign Minister Wadephul will be visiting one of these projects, which receives financial support from Germany. Further, Mauritania is focusing on issues key to the future, such as sustainable energy generation. The country’s potential in the field of renewable energies opens up new prospects for future-oriented cooperation. Foreign Minister Wadephul will be discussing these issues with Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

Nigeria: Not just an economic giant

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and a true economic giant. As the largest internal market in Africa, Nigeria is an important trading partner for Germany. Foreign Minister Wadephul’s meetings in Lagos will include discussions with Nigerian business representatives on how to leverage the huge economic potential inherent in the fields of energy, climate and raw materials cooperation in particular.

Nigeria is also a political heavyweight in West Africa. It is no coincidence that its capital Abuja is the site of the headquarters of the influential Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with which Germany collaborates closely. For instance, Germany is currently supporting ECOWAS in the development of a cross-border electricity network. Thanks to its influence in the region and its aspirations to shape events on the African continent, Nigeria is an indispensable partner to further expand the network of Germany’s relations on the continent and to work together for a stable international order.

Just last November, Foreign Minister Wadephul and Nigeria’s then Foreign Minister Tuggar co‑chaired the fifth Binational Commission in Berlin. This form of dialogue exists with a few close partners around the world, bringing together at regular intervals working groups from various fields and ministries. Foreign Minister Wadephul is now picking up from there in direct talks with the new Nigerian Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

South Africa: Strategic partnership with broad-based cooperation

The Binational Commission with South Africa, the African country with which Germany enjoys its closest and broadest cooperation, was also held just a few weeks ago, providing a forum for close dialogue. At the meeting, the special partnership that has existed between Germany and South Africa ever since Helmut Kohl and Nelson Mandela established the Binational Commission 30 years ago was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership. As democracies, both countries are aware that we must constantly work to preserve our freedom. For that reason, the two Governments also talk about how we can make our societies more resilient to disinformation. In Pretoria, Foreign Minister Wadephul will meet his counterpart Ronald Ozzy Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa plays an outstanding role in economic terms, too: it is by far our biggest trading partner on the African continent. Some 600 German companies are active there, making it one of the most important centres for German businesses in Africa. During this part of the trip, Foreign Minister Wadephul and his delegation will visit a German energy company.

Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul commented:

The societies of Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa are characterised by their very young populations. Foreign Minister Wadephul will be talking with young people on the ground about how to shape international relations in the future, what expectations the next generation has of the partnership between the countries of Europe and Africa, and how they would like to drive this partnership forward. In Lagos, he will have a discussion with young influencers. In Johannesburg, he will give a speech at the South African Institute of International Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand.