Scholz: We support African-led efforts to build trade and security

Editor - Africa & International

Nation Media Group

Visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to Aggrey Mutambo about East Africa’s place in Berlin’s foreign policy.

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Africa has some of the fastest growing economies in the world, with enormous potential for trade with Germany. Germany produces technologies that are very important for transitioning to carbon-free economies, which African countries could use to benefit from the enormous renewable energy resources that this continent has to offer also to European customers. We should see this as a win-win situation and make the most of it. In 2017 Germany initiated the G20 Compact with Africa, an investment initiative within this group of the most important economies. Kenya is most welcome to participate in this. Germany also strongly supports the African Continental Free Trade Area. This visionary project could raise incomes in Africa substantially and lift some 50 million people out of extreme poverty. Our long-term vision is a continent-to-continent free trade agreement between Africa and Europe.

One of my objectives was to visit the African Union and its commissioners in order to continue our exchange on how to manage global and regional challenges and opportunities jointly. The second objective was to support the peace process in Ethiopia. We are all aware that the war in Tigray was terrible and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. In my talks in Ethiopia, I acknowledged the peace accord and its ongoing implementation. I encourage the government and also the newly appointed administrative head of the Tigray region to continue on this path. Moreover, a sustainable peace will require reconciliation, which can only happen if there is accountability for the crimes committed by both sides. An inclusive national dialogue will be needed to reach an agreement on governance and for a peaceful future in a united country.

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