Reframing relations: Germany’s Africa agenda under a new government

– , Berlin time (CEST, UTC+2)
Venue: British Embassy Berlin, Wilhelmstraße 70/71, 10117 Berlin

Africa is gaining ground on Germany’s foreign policy agenda, with updated Africa policy guidelines and the new coalition agreement reaffirming a more interest-driven approach centred on energy diversification, skilled labour, migration governance, and multilateral reform. This shift is part of a wider European trend. Countries such as Denmark, Norway, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have revised their Africa strategies, placing greater emphasis on pragmatic partnerships, economic diplomacy, and political engagement.

Yet fragmented policymaking and limited private sector engagement continue to challenge effective policy implementation amid rising global competition. This conversation assessed whether a recalibrated German approach under new leadership can drive more competitive and coherent engagement with African partners and contribute meaningfully to Europe’s broader geopolitical agenda.

The event was co-organised with the British Embassy Berlin.

Agenda

18:30 – 18:40 Opening remarks by Kieran Drake, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Berlin

18:45 – 20:00 Panel discussion with

  • HE Stella Mokaya Orina, Ambassador, Kenyan Embassy in Berlin
  • Minister Plenipotentiary Andries Oosthuizen, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., South African Embassy in Berlin
  • Markus Koob, Member, Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee/Head, CDU/CSU working group on Africa
  • Alex Vines, Director, Africa programme, ECFR

20:00 – 21:00 Networking reception