IN a strategic move highlighting the evolving global dynamics, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has embarking on his third visit to sub-Saharan Africa in just two years. This visit underscores the increasing importance of a region abundant in energy resources, in which Berlin has traditionally had limited involvement.
Chancellor Scholz’s itinerary includes major energy producer Nigeria and the vibrant nation of Ghana. His agenda extends beyond energy matters, with a focus on addressing migration flows and the prevailing instability in West Africa.
The impetus behind this significant diplomatic mission can be traced to a realisation that Germany, and
indeed all of Europe, need Africa as a vital ally more than previously acknowledged. German Greens legislator Anton Hofreiter succinctly captures this shift in perspective, stating, ‘People realised we needed allies against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And suddenly we noticed they weren’t necessarily on our side… That was a rude awakening.’
The ong
oing conflict between Israel and Hamas has injected new urgency into the energy aspect of this diplomatic journey. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
in February 2022, Germany looked to Qatar for the liquefied gas required to fuel its industries. The potential for disorder across the Middle East has served as a timely reminder of the paramount importance of diversifying energy sources.
Notably, oil stands as Nigeria’s largest export to Germany, and officials are actively considering incorporating gas into t
his energy mix. A German official emphasised, ‘Oil-exporting countries face the question of whether they want to flare all that gas off or use it. We are very open to discussing with Nigeria whether we can buy gas too.’ However, addressing chronic underinvestment in Nigeria’s energy sector remains a challenge, a matter that the as-yet unidentified business delegation accompanying Chancellor Scholz may help to tackle.
Furthermore, the visit is a unique opportunity to explore the potential of Nigeria, with its population of 200 million, and Ghana, with 30 million residents, as sources of much-needed labour for Germany. This is especially pertinent as Germany’s own population is increasingly ageing out of the workforce. Stefan Liebing, a consultant and former head of the German African Business Association, n
otes, ‘Especially in Ghana, there are IT experts that German medium-sized companies are desperate to get hold of.’
Additionally, some in Berlin are hopeful that Germany, free from France’s colonial history in West Africa, can play a constructive political role in a region marked by instability in the present year. In a gesture aimed at mending historical ties, German
y returned several of the Benin Bronzes, sculptures from the Benin kingdom in modern-day Nigeria. This gesture is seen as an attempt to win favour on a continent where anger at European colonial crimes still resonates.
For Chancellor Scholz, who faces domestic pressure due to critics alleging a lack of effective action on illegal migration, this journey is a chance to advance his argument that creating economic opportunities in the source countries represents the most effective approach to reduce migrant flows.
(with Reuters)
