Policy Updates

On May 29, 2024, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze delivered a speech at Africa Day, hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps and the German Africa Foundation in Berlin, where she lauded the African Continental Free Trade Area's potential to boost intra-African trade and development and emphasized the importance of partnerships based on respect and mutual benefit.

Schulze praised the AfCFTA for its potential to significantly enhance intra-African trade, reduce tariffs, lower transport costs, and simplify visa processes, thereby creating one of the world's largest markets. She highlighted that the AfCFTA could double intra-African trade by 2035, creating employment and lifting millions out of poverty.

Schulze emphasized the importance of integrating women and youth into trade and the economy, addressing structural barriers that hinder their participation. She outlined Germany’s support for the AfCFTA, including financing cross-border trade and training border officials. Schulze also underscored the need for a continental EU-Africa trade agreement and recognized the AfCFTA as an African initiative fostering independence and economic integration.

Schulze further called for a partnership based on respect and equality, acknowledging the colonial past and its lingering effects. She stressed the necessity of including Africa in global decision-making, supporting its representation in international forums such as the G20 and the UN Security Council.

Schulze concluded by reaffirming Germany's commitment to strengthening the African Union and advancing its Agenda 2063 for sustainable development.