Dialogue Forum at the South African Embassy in Germany
The "German Africa Policy Dialogue: Way Forward" was held at the South African Embassy in order to strengthen the relations between Germany and Africa
June 13th, 2017
This discussion on Germany’s Africa Policy was organized in May during the Africa Month promoting African unity and involving Africa to collaborate towards shaping a common African destiny.
The Dialogue was hosted by H.E. Amb. Phumelele Stone Sizani and it was attended by various stakeholders, including members of the German Government and Parliament, African Ambassadors as well as the German-African Business Association, academics and think tanks. The forum was organized in the framework of the Africa Month and the Africa Day which celebrated the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. The main purpose of South Africa during this month is to “Build a Better Africa and a Better World”.
In his key-note address, H.E. Amb. Phumelele Stone Sizani, explained that it is relevant that this forum which aims at forging a sustainable partnership between Africa and Germany, took place during this special month perceived as a symbol of unity amongst all Africans. It is a way to demonstrate that the African continent is considered as an equal partner.
During the upcoming G20 Summit, Germany will focus on the cooperation with Africa. A previous misperception of the African continent was identified as a key reason for weak relations between Germany and Africa. African ambassadors emphasized that it is necessary first to visit the respective country and to learn about each other's culture in order to foster partnerships in business sectors and in the framework of development policies.
