German Africa Foundation mourns the death of former Federal President Prof Dr Horst Köhler

Berlin, 3 February 2025 – With the death of former Federal President Horst Köhler, the German Africa Foundation has not only lost an active supporter of our work, but also a great friend and advocate of Africa in German and international politics.

Even after his active time as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and as Federal President, he remained very close to the African continent and used his voice and influence to advocate for the interests of African youth in particular. ‘Despite all the current crises and conflicts, I remain confident and believe that Africa can become a continent of growth, jobs and prospects. Europe would do well to stop looking at its neighbouring continent with a look of routine and worry, but to support Africa’s development with energy and commitment and to help make the dreams of its youth a reality. The German economy can and should also contribute to this by opening up qualified training opportunities and good career prospects locally,’ said Köhler at the Foundation’s Ansprenger Symposium two years ago.

Last week, he was the patron of the symposium commemorating 140 years of the Berlin Conference 1884/85, which the German Africa Foundation organised together with the University of Dar es Salaam, Farafina Africa House and KfW. Coming to terms with Germany’s colonial past was an important concern for Horst Köhler, as he expressed in his opening speech. This was necessary if ‘a new partnership with Africa is to have a chance’.

‘We are all very grateful for his tireless commitment to Africa. In him, we are losing a reliable companion for our work,’ said the President of the German Africa Foundation and former Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Uschi Eid.

The Board of the German Africa Foundation would like to express its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Prof Dr Horst Köhler and all his relatives.

3 February 2025, German Africa Foundation
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