In the past year, the German Africa Foundation (DAS) organised a series of both festive and themed meetings, which provided good opportunities for German and African guests to forge new friendships and renew old ones, as well as to exchange views on the pressing issues that currently affect us all. The articles in this yearbook provide evidence of these diverse opportunities.

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Eagerly awaited elections, concerns about the loss of values that underpin a free and democratic social order, but also worries about the erosion of good governance – these are issues that concern us in Germany and Europe just as much as they do in many African countries.

We share concerns about demographic trends and their impact on the labour market and economic development, albeit under different circumstances. Germany is ageing, with one in three people over the age of 66. In 2026, there will be around 240,000 more jobs to fill than there are workers available. In contrast, the average age on the African continent is 19 and young people make up around 62 per cent of the population in Africa. According to the IMF, this trend means that 18 million jobs will have to be created in Africa every year by 2035. So there is a shortage of labour here and a surplus of labour there. Both developments pose immense challenges, which were discussed during the DAS spring reception for the African Diplomatic Corps.

The key question is: how can this kind of skilled labour migration, if it is wanted by both sides, become a win-win situation for everyone involved? The German Africa Foundation is prepared to do what it can here in Germany to prepare the population for young people from Africa. This includes, for example, conveying a realistic image of Africa in schools, universities, the media and companies, but also in politics and the public at large.

This yearbook is a step along this path. I hope you enjoy reading it.

– Dr Uschi Eid, President of the German Africa Foundation

Please note: The yearbook is only available in German. We apologise for the inconvenience.