Ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s upcoming visit to Nigeria and Ghana, the development organisation ONE has urged Scholz to take concrete action to boost investment and representation for African nations.
In a statement released Sunday, October 29, 2023, ONE said that while Scholz talks about partnerships with Africa, his words must be backed up by tangible incentives and policies from Germany and other industrialised nations. ONE believes greater investment in Africa is an investment in the shared future of Europe and Africa.
ONE Germany Director Stephan Exo-Kreischer stated that “all too often, major industrialised nations have let Africa down,” leading many African countries to look away from the West. He emphasised that now is the time to move past rhetoric and work towards partnership-based cooperation and increased development financing for Africa.
Similarly, ONE Nigeria Director Stanley Achonu called on Scholz to advocate for greater African representation in global financial institutions and decision-making bodies. He said progress in Africa depends on equitable, affordable investment and African nations controlling their own destinies.
By listening to the concerns of African nations and turning words into action, Scholz can demonstrate real leadership during his trip, according to ONE. The organisation’s goals are to boost investment, financing, and representation to allow greater African development and build stronger Europe-Africa ties.