In a tent in the Nigerian metropolis of Lagos, two worlds collide: Three fashionable influencers sit on cushioned stools across from Germany’s 63-year-old Foreign Minister Johann Waddefull. For half an hour, senior politicians meet Africa’s young creative scene.
These young people are among the stars of Nigeria’s creative industry – in a country with a population of about 240 million and a median age of less than 18. Wadefull wants to understand what motivates the younger generation. What are the issues on their mind? How do they see Germany? And what do they expect from the collaboration?
After some hesitation, he replied: Germany and Europe listen to his music, see his art and want to cooperate with him. But a young man in the audience says anyone who wants to travel to the German capital for Fashion Week or the Berlin Film Festival can hardly get a visa.
Negotiations are ongoing; Everyone enjoys the exchange and subsequently uploads the video to social media platforms – on the channels of influencers as well as on the channels of the Federal Foreign Office. Thus, German diplomacy wants to establish direct dialogue with the young generation of Africa.
Nigeria as a valuable energy supplier
The Foreign Minister has good reason to promote Germany in Nigeria. “The country is an economic powerhouse and, as Africa’s largest domestic market, is also a major destination for German exports,” he says. Nigeria is sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest economy and already imports “made in Germany” machinery, chemicals and food products.
However, Nigeria’s raw materials account for the largest share in its trade balance. These have become even more important since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “In June, 25% of jet fuel shipments to Europe came from Nigeria. But we can do significantly more,” Wadefull insists.
critical infrastructure support
Wadeful is also accompanied by a business delegation on their third visit to Africa. The group includes major corporations such as Siemens as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. is one of these VidaThe Munich-based AI company is finalizing a multi-million euro contract with the Nigerian government. The focus is on AI-powered infrastructure planning.
“Our solutions help identify and evaluate new locations. AI allows us to more quickly determine the economic potential of a site as well as local conditions with respect to safety, climate trends and other key factors,” explains Tobias Engelmeier, founder of VIDA. His company is already implementing projects in 20 African countries.
German support for infrastructure development is in demand in many places. Since the EU launched a €290 million ($330 million) package as part of its global gateway According to the strategy, there are growing expectations among both African and European companies for rapid progress in the expansion of transport, energy and utility networks. The Nigerian government is also actively lobbying for German investment to modernize its electricity supply.
Economic and political importance was underestimated
Yet Germany has long underestimated Nigeria’s economic and political importance. Given the potential of Germany’s second most important trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, the presence of around 100 German companies is comparatively small. Siemens is involved in expanding the power grid, while Bayer is planning pharmaceutical production facilities in collaboration with regional partners. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also increasingly entering the market, although many complain about the lack of transparency in the market and decision-making structures.
“This is a challenging market with high operating costs. That’s why local partners who understand the diverse structures in the 36 states are essential,” says Sabine Dell’Omo, Managing Director of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa and President of the German-African Business Association.
Renewable energy provider Enertrag is one of the companies taking a wait-and-see approach. “For us, Nigeria has great potential – there is strong domestic demand and favorable conditions for green energy exports. However, the overall framework for long-term investment remains very uncertain for us,” says board member Anne Bendzulla.
Instead, Enertrag has been successfully investing in South Africa for many years. There, the company says it is ready to invest about €850 million in wind energy.
missed due to arriving late
The security situation in Nigeria is a matter of concern for German business. As a result, the Federal Government is providing additional funding for collaboration with the Nigeria Police Authorities.
He urged the German business community not to hesitate for too long. “Anyone who is not present in Africa today risks missing out on important opportunities,” Wadefull told reporters. He said that the country with young population has immense potential and abundant resources. “It would be grossly negligent on our part to ignore this.”
On the final day of his third visit to Africa, Johann Wadful is visiting South Africa – by far Germany’s most important economic partner on the continent. Around 600 German companies have already invested there.
This article has been translated from German.