It was a moment of goodbye at the conclusion of the Compact for Africa (CwA) conference recently as a lot of African heads of state seized the opportunity to wish German Chancellor, Angela Merkel farewell before she leaves office after the Bundestag elections in September ending.
During Merkel’s tenure, she had been involved personally in economic and social development in sub-Saharan Africa. She often puts economy, health and education issues on the agenda along with development opportunities for women and girls.
When asked to take stock of Merkel’s Africa policy, Guinean President, Alpha Conde said: “Africa has gained leadership [with her help], and Germany has taken the lead in supporting Africa.
“Not only with the Compact but also with the African Renewable Energy Initiative, Germany has made a very big contribution.”
The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, thanked Merkel and her Compact with Africa initiative. Faki said: “It is an important initiative. Africa needs investment for its development, but Africa also needs investment in peace and security. This is a prerequisite for the fate of the African continent today.”
He continued by saying Angela Merkel was successful in giving “an important impetus to Germany’s presence in Africa.”
He said: “I welcome that! You have to strengthen this partnership between Africa and Europe, between Africa and Germany.”
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa also thanked Merkel during the summit. He said: “We will greatly miss you.”
According to Ramaphosa, Merkel’s contribution had led to many things developing in favor of Africa.
CwA was established in 2017 under Germany’s G20 Presidency to improve investment conditions in African countries and boost the economy. It includes Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, and Togo.
