THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
More than 350 business leaders, policymakers, diplomats and development experts gathered in the western German city of Dortmund on 3 March for the 9th German-African Business Forum NRW, an event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Germany and African countries.
Organised by Auslandsgesellschaft.de on behalf of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the forum has been held regularly since 2010 and has grown into one of Germany’s leading platforms for dialogue on trade and investment with Africa.
The conference took place at the premises of the IHK zu Dortmund (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), bringing together entrepreneurs and officials to explore opportunities for business cooperation at a time when global trade is facing growing geopolitical uncertainty and supply-chain disruptions.
Speaking at the event, Nathanael Liminski, North Rhine-Westphalia’s minister for federal and European affairs, international affairs and media, said diversifying economic partnerships had become increasingly important for German companies.
“In times when trade relations with the United States and China are under pressure, it is essential for German businesses to deepen partnerships around the world and open up new markets,” Liminski said, pointing to Africa as a continent with significant economic potential.
A highlight of the forum was the participation of Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Nigeria’s minister for steel development. He presented investment opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in the steel and raw-materials sectors, and outlined areas where international partnerships could support the country’s industrialisation agenda.
The programme also featured a high-level panel discussing the effectiveness of Germany’s foreign economic policies and how they can better support companies entering African markets. Key issues included investment security, trade agreements and practical assistance for businesses seeking partnerships on the continent.
Paul Höller, a state secretary in North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasised that stable frameworks and international cooperation were essential for strong markets, while the forum itself focused on themes such as innovative technologies and sustainable sourcing.
For Klaus Wegener, president of Auslandsgesellschaft.de, Africa represents a strategic priority. “Africa is the continent of the future,” he said, arguing that stronger engagement is essential if European economies want to remain competitive globally.
Similarly, Heinz-Herbert Dustmann, president of the Dortmund Chamber of Industry and Commerce, described Africa as an increasingly important partner for German industry, noting that the continent offers opportunities in areas ranging from renewable energy and industrial development to education partnerships and sustainable supply chains.
With Africa widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, participants at the Dortmund forum stressed the importance of moving beyond declarations towards concrete projects and long-term business alliances.
Report based on the press release of Auslandsgesellschaft.de
