Germany is stepping up its engagement with Africa this week as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul embarks on a three-nation tour aimed at strengthening political and economic ties at a time when shifting global alliances are reshaping international relations.
Wadephul departed Monday for Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa, marking his third visit to Africa this year after earlier trips to Kenya and Ethiopia in January and Morocco in April. Accompanying him is a delegation of German business leaders seeking investment opportunities and partnerships that could drive economic growth in both Africa and Europe.
Berlin sees the trip as part of a broader strategic push rather than routine diplomacy. According to a German news agency report, Wadephul said closer cooperation with African countries has become increasingly important amid global geopolitical shifts, pointing to Washington’s protectionist trade policies and what he described as China’s expanding influence across the continent. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said Europe and Africa are linked not only by geography but also by shared political, economic and security interests.
Trade is only one part of the agenda. Germany also wants to strengthen access to critical raw materials, improve migration cooperation, protect livelihoods from the effects of climate change, promote fair trade and keep vital shipping routes open. Wadephul has described these as priorities shared by both Germany and its African partners.
His first stop, Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott, is particularly significant. It marks the first visit by a German foreign minister since Frank-Walter Steinmeier, now Germany’s president, travelled there in 2006. Although former Development Minister Svenja Schulze visited in 2023, Wadephul is the first serving foreign minister to make the trip in nearly 20 years.
During his visit, Wadephul is expected to meet President Mohamed Ghazouani and Foreign Minister Mohamed Merzoug. He will also visit the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, where discussions will focus on tackling extremism and supporting deradicalization efforts as Islamist militant groups continue to destabilize parts of the Sahel.
Mauritania has remained relatively stable despite growing insecurity across the region. The country of about five million people now hosts more than 320,000 refugees who have fled neighbouring Mali, a challenge that is expected to feature prominently in talks on regional security and humanitarian support.
After Mauritania, Wadephul will travel to Nigeria and South Africa, completing a tour designed to expand Germany’s diplomatic and economic presence in Africa as global powers compete to strengthen partnerships across the continent.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah