Leaders from over 12 African countries are heading to Germany for a G20-led conference aimed at boosting private investment in the rapidly growing continent. German government officials have stated that, in confirmation of the renewed interest in Africa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will attend the summit in Berlin, hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz, who has visited Africa multiple times since taking office in late 2021, will hold bilateral talks with several African leaders tomorrow, Sunday, before hosting a German-African investment summit at the Marriott Hotel in Berlin on Monday morning.
Europe and the United States are competing with Russia and China for influence, essential mineral resources, and new economic opportunities in the world's second most populous continent. This includes the potential the continent holds in renewable energy production, particularly green hydrogen, which could assist Europe in transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy. Additionally, stability and prosperity in the continent are seen as crucial elements in reducing irregular migration.
The event will officially take place on Monday afternoon at the German Chancellery, preceded by a press conference with leaders of the African Union, which became a permanent member of the G20 in September. German government officials emphasize that Africa could play a key role in helping their country better diversify its supply chains, secure skilled labor, reduce irregular migration, and achieve a green transition.
German trade with Africa reached 60 billion euros (65.4 billion dollars) last year, a small portion of its trade with Asia, but a 21.7 percent increase from 2021. The African countries involved in the initiative, launched in 2017 during Germany's G20 presidency, include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia.
