Whether it be in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel or the Great Lakes Region – when people on our neighbouring continent are so frightened by conflicts that they flee their homes, this directly affects us here in Europe. If we want to prevent crises, manage conflicts and promote peace, we must have a three pronged political strategy that promotes security, good governance and development. Together with our international partners, we want to support the African Peace and Security Architecture as well as strengthen African ownership in the areas of crisis prevention, conflict resolution and stabilisation. At our meeting in Abidjan, we will look back on one decade of German African cooperation in the spheres of peace and security and conduct a stock taking based on our border management and police cooperation projects.

We will also discuss how our cooperation can be continued, also by involving the European Union. Another topic will be how we can promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa. Targeted support to small and medium sized enterprises is a particularly good way to create jobs and improve prospects for people on the continent. Africa will only live up to its full economic potential if fair terms can be ensured for its integration into the global economy.