Wadephul in Nigeria: Why Africa Matters

diplomacy

Wadephul in Nigeria: Why Africa Matters

On the third day of his trip to Africa, the German Foreign Minister will focus on political discussions in Nigeria. He wants to expand relations with the leading power in West Africa.

It is a rather unusual appointment for Johann Wadephul: the German Foreign Minister meets influencers in the Nigerian economic metropolis. Including a musician, an entrepreneur from the cultural sector, and a filmmaker. BerlinaleFashion Week in Berlin – these are the things that come to mind when young women and men are asked about Germany.

This is a through ball for Wadephul. “We in Europe and Germany can learn a lot from the creative spirit of influencers,” the minister says afterwards.

On his trip to Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa Wadephul is accompanied by business representatives. The call that he associates with his meeting with the young creatives also goes towards the economy: the German economy must show more flexibility when it comes to investments on the African continent. Wadephul makes economic foreign policy, including in Africa.

For Wadephul, Africa as a continent of opportunity is a central reason why he is in Africa for the third time this year. In January he was in Kenya and Ethiopiain April in Morocco. On Tuesday afternoon, with a view to the commitment of German entrepreneurs on the continent, he said: “Everyone has to move. Everyone has to become more flexible. And that also applies to the German economy.” And adds: “Anyone who is not present in Africa today risks missing out on crucial opportunities.”

Four reasons why Africa is for the Federal Government and Wadephul is important:

The federal government is looking against the backdrop of the US President’s protectionist trade and customs policy Donald Trump worldwide for new business partners. With more than 240 million inhabitants, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, Africa’s largest domestic market and one of its largest economies. And with a low average age, a promising future market.

The country is already Germany’s second most important trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. So far, around 80 German companies are represented in Nigeria; there have been no major new investments recently.

Also to make Germany more independent China in the supply of so-called rare earths and critical raw materials, which are important for future technologies, as well as in the energy supply, Wadephul is looking for new partners. According to experts, Mauritania, where he was on Monday, offers great potential here, including in renewable energies and green hydrogen.