Germany

2024 German Presidential Festival honours Kenya, Africans in Germany

Africa will be the focus at this year’s Citizens’ Festival of the German President taking place in September. Kenya’s Ambassador Stella Mokaya Orina and Dr Sylvie Nantcha, Chairperson of TANG, are calling on Africans in Germany to turn out in large numbers at the event The Citizens’ Festival of the German President (Bürgerfest des Bundespräsidenten) is held annually over two …

Read More »

Thuringia and Saxony: AfD victory signals challenges for German democracy

The recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony have caused significant political tremors in Germany, highlighting the growing strength of far-right movements and raising concerns about the future of its democratic system. In Thuringia, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic win, becoming the first far-right party since World War II to win a state election, securing 33% of …

Read More »

Germany: New laws and other changes in September 2024

Like almost every month, September 2024 brings important changes, including new laws, that affect residents of Germany. For instance, building owners using gas heating must now have their systems inspected and stricter hand luggage rules for air travellers apply. Among others, a new feature will be introduced in health insurance apps and stricter emission standards for new vehicle registrations will …

Read More »

No more money for asylum-seekers obliged to leave Germany

Following the knife attack in Solingen last Friday, the German government has announced new measures to enhance security in the country. These include tightening gun laws and cancelling benefits for certain asylum-seekers. The government plans to revoke state benefits for asylum-seekers who fall under the responsibility of another European country according to the Dublin Regulation and which has agreed to …

Read More »

Turkish group appeals to voters in Thuringia and Saxony

Ahead of the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony on Sunday, 1 September 2024, the Turkish Association in Berlin-Brandenburg (Türkische Bund in Berlin-Brandenburg or TBB) has issued an appeal to voters, urging them to “vote democratically.” “We are deeply concerned by the latest forecasts for the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony,” said Ayşe Demir, spokesperson for the TBB …

Read More »

Germany: Virginia Wangare Greiner to Receive ‘Heroines Award 2024’

Kenyan-born social entrepreneur and advocate for African girls, women and families in Germany, Virginia Wangare Greiner, is one of the two recipients of the ‘HeroinesAward 2024’ (HeldinnenAward 2024). Awarded by the Alice Schwarzer Foundation, the ‘HeroinesAward’ recognizes women who fight courageously and with dedication to improve the situation of women, whether through their professional work, social engagement or personal commitment. …

Read More »

Berlin’s Black community celebrates renaming of street after African heroes

After a long struggle, Berlin’s Peters Allee will be renamed Maji Maji Allee and Anna Mungunda Allee on Friday (23 August). The previous name, Petersallee, honoured Carl Peters, founder of the colony of German East Africa, who was notorious for his crimes against Africans. The new street names commemorate two significant figures: Anna Mungunda, a Namibian national heroine who fought …

Read More »

New report releases facts and figures on Black people in Germany

Black people have been living in Germany for several centuries. Their community is very diverse, ranging from African-descended Germans, whose roots may go back to the first African community more than 100 years ago, to Africans who arrived more recently to seek refuge or to join their spouses or study and have meanwhile settled down and raised children. However, there …

Read More »

Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 4)

I still can’t believe I got my first job in Germany by speaking to the person sitting next to me on the S-Bahn. If you know anything about Germany, it’s that everyone minds their own business on the train. So, gathering the courage to ask a question was not an easy feat. But that question changed my life forever. “What …

Read More »

Nigerians hold successful networking summit in Berlin

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany held its “Networking Summit for Nigerians in Germany” on Saturday (27 July) in Berlin. The event was “designed to identify potential solutions for fostering Nigeria’s economic development” and “an opportunity to contribute to efforts to find solutions to the myriad problems confronting our nation,” according to NIDO Germany. Dr (Engr) Moses Ogun, President …

Read More »

Book: Germany’s inglorious history of human zoos

Many institutions are currently making attempts to revisit their colonial past. In Dortmund, the LWL Museum Zeche Zollern recently opened the exhibition “Das ist kolonial” which will run until 26 October 2025. The exhibition is an attempt to make Westphalia’s role and (in)visible legacy of colonialism visible. In Dresden, an exhibition entitled “Menschen anSchauen” at the Stadtmuseum ended on 7 …

Read More »

Germany: New laws and other changes in August 2024

August 2024 brings numerous changes affecting various aspects of everyday life in Germany. Here is a comprehensive overview of the most important changes. Submit your 2023 tax return on time! One of the most important deadlines in August concerns the submission of tax returns for 2023. Anyone who prepares their own taxes must submit their return by 2 September 2024. …

Read More »

Forum brings African football professionals to Berlin

Press Release – Berlin, 26 July 2024 │The first Afro Football Forum will take place at the NIO House, Kurfurstendamm, Berlin on 15 August, with the theme Impact Beyond the Pitch. The Afro Football Forum is a meeting point for Africans working in football in Europe. It will bring together industry professionals working in football media, management, agency, marketing as …

Read More »

Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 3)

Hi there, I’m Nesa. If you haven’t read the previous episodes, I advise you to stop reading. Go back, read them, and then come back. Don’t worry; I’ll be right here waiting for you. And if you’ve already read the previous episodes, buckle up, and let’s continue our journey. I would not call myself a DADA BEE (a Ghanaian colloquialism). …

Read More »

Black community demands for justice over killing of Cameroonian in Berlin

William Chedjou, a Cameroonian, was stabbed to death during an argument over parking space on Thursday evening in Berlin. The incident took place shortly after 6 pm in Böttgerstraße and the victim and perpetrator did not previously know each other, the police said. According to media reports, the 37-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach by a Turkish man, initially …

Read More »

Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 2)

Hi again, Nesa here. Welcome back to the second episode of my journey. Today, we dive into my experience relocating from Ghana to Germany, a journey that redefined my path and taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, starting afresh, and seizing opportunities. To be honest, I never imagined I would settle in Germany. Born here but raised in Ghana, I …

Read More »

Nigerians in Germany convene in Berlin to discuss homeland’s progress

Concerned about their homeland, which is experiencing tough economic times, Nigerians in Germany will gather in Berlin on 27 July. The summit, which will feature expert panel discussions, an exhibition of Nigerian start-ups and cultural events, will produce a communique with recommendations for the Nigerian government. Nigeria is currently experiencing challenging economic conditions due to significant policy decisions implemented by …

Read More »