“We need a radical rethink”

Mr Nooke, the G7 summit in early June 2015 at Schloss Elmau in Bavaria developed into a miniature Africa summit. How did that happen?

Under the German Presidency we consciously placed the so-called outreach back on the agenda and invited the heads of state and government from Ethiopia, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia as well as the Chairperson of the African ­Union Commission to an exhaustive dialogue session. Iraq and also representatives of international organizations took part in the outreach. Never before were topics relating to Africa discussed so thoroughly at a G7 summit. Many topics, such as climate change, the use of resources, the protection of wild animals, security and health that are debated worldwide all specifically relate to Africa. It was important to us not just to talk about Africa, but above all with Africa. If we engage the respective heads of state and government, then it is far easier to make them responsible alongside ourselves for important objectives being achieved.

What results were achieved from the African viewpoint?

Many of the summit’s decision refer directly to Africa. For example, the reduction of greenhouse gases: By 2020 Africa is expected to have installed an additional 10 gigawatts of power plants relying on renewable energy sources. And the new goal of saving 500 million people from hunger and malnutrition is of great importance for Africa, as is the new concept to avoid pandemics such as the Ebola crisis by swiftly deploying medical task forces. Moreover, the summit resolved to strengthen research into neglected trop­ical diseases. Key results were also achieved as regards vocational training and qualifications for women and girls.

You say the talking was not about Africa, but with Africa. To what extent does this imply a new style with a new image of Africa among the industrial nations?

Africa’s self-confidence has surged. Many African countries therefore now have a clear interest in being taken seriously as partners – and quite justifiably so. This also prompted a change among the G7 member states, which is currently being communicated under the heading of “Africa – the Continent of Opportunities”. I also believe that there are immense opportunities in Africa. But I would nevertheless caution against losing sight of the reality on the ground. While some African countries are posting high economic growth rates on an international compari­son, the unequal distribution of wealth and high youth unemployment are major challenges for many of these countries. The stronger self-confidence among African countries is only justified if the heads of state and government themselves assume responsibility for all the people in their respective countries.

Do we therefore need to redefine development cooperation?

Yes, and we need to start with the very concept. The word “aid” may no longer be used, but the idea is still present. We need a radical rethink and to speak of partnership among equals. I repeatedly hear in conversations that “we don’t want aid projects, we want economic cooperation.” In Germany’s Africa policy going forwards the focus will be on cooperation between companies. It is very conceivable, for example, that vocational education will be a fixed component in investment projects and in that way strengthened. Of course there will still be government-financed projects in the future, but specifically not as isolated development projects and instead in cooperation with partners from the world of business.

One result of the G7 process is also that the African Partnership Forum will be revamped as the “Africa Global Partnership Platform”. What exactly is the platform’s objective?

The African Partnership Forum was a format based on a donor/recipient structure: African countries sat down with their most important donors in development cooperation. That is no longer in line with the times. Which is why Germany had driven a transformation process. We felt it important that African countries now also sit down and discuss things with their main trade partners and investors. Thus, the circle of participants was swiftly expanded to include governments such as India, China, Brazil, South Korea, and Australia, all of whom have a strong presence in Africa, be it as regards raw materials extraction or in trade. In addition to security issues, a good Africa policy means supporting framework conditions to help the local economy grow and create jobs.

Can this new Africa policy also help improve conditions in African nations such that people no longer flee from their native countries?

A good policy on Africa can help combat the reasons why people feel they need to flee – just as good policy by governments in Africa can enable people to be successful in their home countries in finding jobs, earning money, and leading good lives. However, there are many other things that are also necessary at the same time. We need to talk about an immigration law and improve border protection in the Mediterranean. Because it must be clear that we cannot possibly take in all people, be they from Albania, Syria or African countries. Everyone must square up to their responsibilities, and that includes the African nations themselves.

Modernising agriculture is key to improving living conditions. Germany promotes the sector with its “Green innovation centre” concept. What do you hope this will achieve?

The weather and soils in Africa support far higher agricultural yields than those currently being harvested. The most ­important idea behind the innovation ­centres is to help smallholders boost yields and turn these into value. That starts with the choice of crops and farming methods, covers post-harvest protection and extends to marketing. We want to help farmers, for example, themselves determining the market prices, with the help of expert knowledge and modern IT. We are providing tools for farmers and the various officers in the agricultural ministries with which they can achieve such an increase in productivity and can foster training as well as industrialization and processing in the agricultural sector. ▪

Interview: Clara Görtz