Africa is the continent of opportunity and hope. The last decade has demonstrated constant economic growth and a generally positive political progress. Conditions for economic innovation are now more favourable than ever before. Despite the severe impact the current global financial and economic crisis has on Africa, it is vital that Africa’s image as continent of crisis needs to be revised and adjusted to reality. The hesitation of the German economy is mainly due to the lack of market knowledge and insufficient long-term adjustments to one of the largest potential global markets, which is home to 900 million people. The rapid development of the mobile telephone market is an example of the huge potential in the region. German investments and co-operations still fail to tap Africa’s full potential. In this regard, Germany does not live up to its role as a globally orientated economic player.

German capital, along with other foreign direct investments, can provide the foundation for sustainable economic and ecological developments in Africa. The multi-faceted cooperation between the German government and the economy clearly demonstrates that commercial and other developmental goals often complement each other. The realization of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, to which the German government and the international community are committed, is an important precondition for addressing poverty and environmental problems, thus enabling new and stable markets to become established. Providing support for healthcare and education will allow the development of a qualified workforce. The promotion of good governance thereby creates a political and economic environment that is more secure for investors. In addition, we are contributing to expedite Africa’s economic integration by providing support for regional infrastructure projects. Today, new approaches in terms of development policy are already contributing to the implementation of economic investments in a sustainable manner - taking into account the interests of both parties. For many years, international companies have been successfully producing goods for and with African citizens. In order to move further in this direction, Africa needs reliable, long-term investments. Germany can provide this. German businesses can be the central motor for a sustainable development in Africa.

For Germany, Africa is a strong partner and this publication will contribute to strengthening this understanding within the German economy. Africa’s current progress offers great opportunities for German companies. Investment is an important aspect of such development, from which both sides can benefit in both, the short- and long-term.

Major challenges are best dealt with by working together side by side. That’s why the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has created a programme which provides special support for cooperation between business and development agencies. Development partnerships with businesses (Public Private Partnerships, PPP) combine the innovative power of economy with the expertise and experience taken from development policy. Further information on this subject can be found within this publication.

I hope you will enjoy reading this publication and find it both, interesting and informative!