German business leaders are calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to step up engagement in Africa, citing the continent’s growing economic importance.
“The economic diplomacy on this increasingly important, yet still underestimated, continent should carry greater weight within the federal government,” said Christoph Kannengiesser, chief executive of the German-African Business Association.
Kannengiesser pointed to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s trip to Ghana and Angola, saying it was “good that the president continues to strengthen Germany’s political and economic presence in Africa.” He added: “The federal government must follow suit.”
The businessman stressed that now is a key moment to support German companies in tapping new growth markets. “This should be a central element of a growth-oriented economic policy, which Germany urgently needs,” Kannengiesser said.
While the government has pledged strategic cooperation with Africa, he noted a lack of concrete measures and diplomatic initiatives so far. “That needs to change,” he said, urging the rapid creation of tools to mobilize private capital for African markets, sustain trade flows and integrate African nations into global value chains.
Steinmeier arrived in Accra on Sunday evening and is scheduled to meet Ghanaian President John Mahama on Monday. He is accompanied by a German business delegation.
