Press release dated 22.08.2018 |

Berlin - In the sign of the Marshall Plan with Africa, the journey of Federal Minister Dr. Ing. Gerd Müller to Africa. With Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Chad and Ghana, the trip will take you to seven countries with very different economic and political challenges and reform perspectives. The focus of the Minister's talks are the necessary structural reforms and the possible German contribution to support.

Development Minister Commenting on his departure, Gerd Müller said: "Africa is a continent of opportunity, but Africa has to do more, and African governments have an agenda of their own, and we measure it." Germany offers increased support to reform-oriented countries like Ethiopia and Ghana But it is also clear that those who are not prepared to fight corruption and good governance will have to expect less support in the future, which is precisely the core of the Marshall Plan with Africa. "

First stop of the trip is Eritrea. After the historic peace agreement a few weeks ago with his neighbor Ethiopia, Minister Müller calls for further opening of the country during talks with President Afewerki and Foreign Minister Saleh.

Minister Müller: "The historic agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea ends a decades-long conflict that has claimed nearly one hundred thousand lives and forced many people to flee." Now we need a reliable peace process, Germany offering its support, for example with vocational training Eritrea must urgently open up new perspectives for its young people, which can send out a message to the many Eritreans who have fled to Germany, but support for concrete reforms such as a much shorter duration of military service and opening up the economy to the country regional trade. "

On Friday afternoon Minister Müller will travel to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The new Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy has initiated major political changes in recent months: the peace agreement with Eritrea or the release from prison of government critics. He also announced that he would open the state-controlled economy. Minister Müller is with Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy discuss how Germany can continue to support this impressive momentum for reform.

Subsequently, talks are planned with the African Union (AU). The member states of the AU have decided with the Agenda 2063 an "African plan" for the development of the continent. The Marshall Plan with Africa supports this effort. Minister Müller will agree with the AU a permanent working commission, which - based on both concepts - will develop analyzes and solutions for a new common Africa policy.

Mozambique focuses on progress in the peace process and the resolution of the civil war. However, in his meeting with Prime Minister Rosario and the leader of the RENAMO party, the negative trend in corruption will also be an issue hampering the further development of the country.

Botswana is an example of an African country that has taken an impressive path of development through good governance and investment promotion. Minister Müller will talk with President Masisi and Foreign Minister Dow about the Botswanan model of success and further cooperation in the field of vocational training.

In addition, he will speak with the Secretary General of the South African regional organization SADC about stability in the region, the deepening of regional trade and the protection of natural resources. Among other things , the BMZ supports the SADC states in the prosecution of poachers and the training of rangers.

In Zimbabwe, where there is hope for a political fresh start following the presidential elections, Minister Müller will speak with both candidates for the presidential election and press for peaceful, democratic and constitutional change.

Chad is characterized by a deterioration in democracy and human rights. That is why classical bilateral development cooperation is suspended. The central topic of the discussion with President Déby is therefore the demand for tangible improvements: new parliamentary elections, strengthening of the separation of powers and a transparent state budget. At the same time, Chad does a great deal in absorbing nearly 600,000 refugees from the region. Germany will continue to offer these people support.

The journey ends in Ghana, a country with strong economic growth and new reform momentum. That is why the BMZ has signed a reform partnership with Ghana to implement the Marshall Plan with Africa. With Finance Minister Ofori-Atta and President Akufo-Addo, Minister Müller talks about the progress of the partnership in areas such as renewable energy, vocational training and the promotion of private investment.