Afrika und Europa am Scheideweg - brauchen wir einander?

Africa and Europe are at a crossroads. Both continents have been closely connected for hundreds of years. For a long time, Europe viewed the African continent primarily as the goal of its expansionist policy, and the consequences of the colonial period continue to shape Africa today. Even now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, Europe is Africa’s most important trade partner and source of investment. Africa is, however, becoming increasingly independent and is seeking new partners in Asia and South America. At the same time, Europe is more than ever before the destination of African migrants seeking protection, freedom, and wealth. Does Africa actually need Europe anymore? And does Europe today need Africa even more urgently than ever?

The Austrian manager and author Hans Stoisser will warn that Europe could lose its connection to Africa and thus also come to be at a disadvantage globally. James Shikwati, on the other hand, will point to the new partnerships and alliances being made by African institutions and countries. Christoph Kannengießer, the executive manager of the German–African Business Association, will outline the economic importance of European–African relations. Prof. Dr. Jann Lay will introduce the topic and moderate the discussion.

Speaker: Christoph Kannengießer is the executive manager of the German–African Business Association. James Shikwati is the director of the Inter Region Economic Network. Hans Stoisser is the manager of ECOTEC GmbH and the author of Der schwarze Tiger - was wir von Afrika lernen können (The Black Tiger – What We Can Learn from Africa).

Moderation: Apl. Prof. Dr. Jann Lay is the acting director of the GIGA Institute of African Affairs.