Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, is currently traveling to Africa for the third time since he took office. This time he visits Nigeria and Ghana, demonstrating Germany’s growing interest in the African continent.
This trip is of particular importance for Germany due to the questioning of its energy model after the end of Russian gas deliveries. In this context, Berlin is seeking to establish contacts with other countries, particularly in the field of energy. Germany already imports Nigerian oil and is also considering liquefied gas and other raw materials.
In addition to economic issues, Olaf Scholz’s trip also addresses the issue of migration from Africa. The German chancellor will visit a German-Nigerian migration center, highlighting not only the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, but also the search for a qualified workforce for Germany. The country indeed needs qualified workers, particularly in the IT sector where the skills of Ghanaians are of particular interest to the German authorities.
Finally, regional policy also plays a key role in this shift. In addition to meetings with the heads of state of the two countries, Olaf Scholz will also meet the president of the ECOWAS Commission (Economic Community of West African States). This trip comes three weeks before a G20 summit on investments in Africa, which will be held in Berlin.
This trip by Olaf Scholz to Africa demonstrates Germany’s growing interest in the African continent. Germany seeks to strengthen economic partnerships, resolve migration issues and play an active role in regional politics. These visits to Africa are therefore an important step towards closer cooperation between Germany and the African continent.