Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck is hoping for a new boost in economic relations with Africa. The Greens politician said in Cape Town on Tuesday that a new attempt was needed to rethink European-German-African relations. Habeck met with Western Cape Prime Minister Alan Winde.
Habeck opens a German-African economic conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, against whom there are serious allegations of corruption, is also expected.
Habeck on China: “Changed sign situation”
With a view to efforts to reduce dependency on China as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Habeck spoke of a “changed sign”. The decision for the most favorable location is not always the right one. The economy should position itself more broadly on the world market. There is room for new partnerships.
Habeck was concerned about problems in South Africa’s energy supply, which is 80 percent based on coal-fired power generation. Power outages would not only have consequences for people, but also for local German companies. Germany and Europe have already pledged support for the reform of the energy supply. It is also a great change for the global climate that a country that has previously relied on coal is rethinking.
Winde emphasized the need to focus more on wind and sun and the partnership with Germany. It is also about a “corridor” with neighboring Namibia. Habeck pushed ahead with a planned hydrogen project there on Monday.