By Ebi Kesiena
Germany has announced a commitment of 4 billion euros ($4.37 billion) to support African green energy projects until 2030.
Speaking on behalf of the German government, Chancellor of Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of African nations benefiting more from their rich raw material resources.
Addressing the media during the G20 Compact with Africa summit in Berlin, Scholz did not specify particular projects, but stressed the need for the processing of materials used in green energy within the African countries of origin.
“This creates jobs and prosperity in these countries. And the German industry gains reliable suppliers.” Scholz stated.
According to Scholz, Germany has a commitment to becoming a long-term and reliable partner for African countries.
“Africa is our partner of choice when it comes to intensifying our economic relations and moving toward a climate-neutral future together.” He said.
The Compact with Africa initiative, launched by Germany during its G20 chairmanship, seeks to enhance economic conditions in participating countries, making them more appealing for foreign private investment.
According to the German news agency, the African countries involved in the initiative include Egypt, Ethiopia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia.
In the same vein, responding to questions about China’s significant presence in Africa, several African leaders expressed openness to diverse partnerships.
Moussa Faki, the chairperson of the African Union Commission said, “Perhaps China was more audacious, perhaps they have more vision and perhaps they trusted the potential in Africa adding that Africa is open to different partnerships.
‘’Our wish is for you to place your trust in us, to impose fewer conditions and to create the conditions together.”
Therefore, Faki emphasized the importance of improving governance, stating, “Improving governance, that’s our responsibility, and therefore this shared vision could allow, I’m certain of it, for a large capital that could be invested in the continent.”
