Germany Seeks New Economic Partnership with Africa to Counter Rising Influence of Countries like Russia

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baumann concluded a two-day visit to Nigeria on Wednesday, July 22. Amid the U.S.'s growing inclination toward isolationism and increasing geopolitical pressure from countries such as Russia, Germany is striving to strengthen economic partnerships with African nations.

During talks with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Muhammad Ojukwu in Abuja on Wednesday, Baumann called for "enhancing trade and investment." She had previously visited Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.

Green Party member Rött, who accompanied Baumann on the trip, told AFP: "We urgently need new partners… to jointly counter 'powerful figures' on the political stage, including Trump and Putin."

As Europe’s largest economy, Germany is seeking to expand economic cooperation with multiple African countries, including Nigeria. With over 230 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s largest oil producer.

The Trump administration’s significant adjustments to trade policy and its questioning of the NATO military alliance have increasingly strained diplomatic and trade relations between the U.S. and Europe. At the same time, European economies face mounting pressure from unfair trade practices by other nations, while the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fifth year. In recent years, countries such as Russia have also strengthened their economic and security ties with African nations.

This marks Baumann’s third visit to Africa this year. She stated that the potential of Germany-Nigeria economic partnership remains "far from fully realized," particularly in information technology and dynamic startup sectors. She noted that bilateral trade between Germany and Nigeria grew by approximately 10% last year.

International Aid Continues to Shrink

As Germany seeks to expand economic cooperation with Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is implementing a series of reforms welcomed by economists and investors, including currency liberalization, tax system reform, and the elimination of costly fuel subsidies.

However, these economic reforms have triggered a sharp rise in inflation and sparked discontent among the Nigerian population.

Baumann said key areas with growth potential for collaboration include critical raw materials, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Nigeria has been fighting a jihadist insurgency centered in the northeast since 2009. Baumann praised Nigeria for being "at the forefront of combating terrorism and violent extremism." The German foreign minister also pledged continued cooperation in security and humanitarian aid.

Baumann’s African tour will conclude Thursday in South Africa.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1871480580896003/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.