The German government’s international cooperation agency, GIZ, is emphasizing the urgency of securing access to essential raw materials. According to Anna Sophie Herken, a GIZ board member, achieving energy independence, security and sustainability for Germany necessitates a significant focus on collaboration with African nations.
Herken highlighted the existing and substantial presence of Chinese investment in key African industries. Chinese entities currently control an estimated 30 percent of the continent’s copper production and up to 41 percent of its cobalt output, representing a considerable economic influence.
GIZ’s long-standing engagement in Africa provides a strategic advantage. Herken emphasized that GIZ has cultivated strong relationships with local partners and established a deep understanding of the region’s infrastructure and needs, earning significant trust over decades of work. This foundation allows for the cultivation of sustainable collaborations.
The transition to renewable energy technologies – including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and electric vehicles – is inextricably linked to access to resources primarily sourced from Africa, reinforcing the necessity of these partnerships.
Rejecting outdated perceptions of development assistance, Herken advocated for a modernized approach to international collaboration. This new model prioritizes efficiency, results-oriented strategies and mutually beneficial partnerships, recognizing that economic development and sustainable growth are inextricably linked. Herken underscored the importance of providing clear regulatory frameworks, long-term planning certainty and reliable partnerships-elements critical to attracting investment and fostering collaborative success. GIZ aims to facilitate these conditions within its operational sphere.