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19 November 2019 "Whether we are talking about peace or protecting the climate, whether we are talking about economic development, migration or other major issues of our time: we all agree that Africa, with its 50 states and a population in constant growth, has a crucial role in solving global issues ".This was stated by Angela Merkel at the opening of the three days of "Compact with Africa" which today welcomes heads of state and government of 12 African countries (Egypt, Ethiopia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana) in Berlin , Guinea, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia).
The conference in the German capital - arrived at its third appointment and born during the German presidency of the G20 in 2017 - aims to intensify the collaboration between Germany and the African states, creating the conditions to activate new investments such as to encourage growth and greater employment on the continent.
After an investor conference, the chancellor receives the heads of state and government at the chancellery this afternoon. In 2018, Merkel pointed out, exports to countries represented by "Compact with Africa" reached a volume of 330 million euros, "to date we are growing to over one billion euros". At the same time, the chancellor asked African countries to continue with determination on the path to strengthening the rule of law and steps towards greater transparency of financial and tax systems. "More transparency will also lead to more investment," Merkel insisted during the Berlin conference, which is also supported by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. With their decision to launch a free trade area, African countries have decided to implement a "very demanding" agenda, continued Merkel: "It is necessary to create a transition phase aimed at economic growth capable of sustaining itself" .
Obviously there are still many problems, he added, citing security issues, the challenges posed by terrorism and swirling population growth, among others. Among the heads of state also present were Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who underlined "the great potential of the African market" and reiterated that Germany "is a reliable partner for Egypt". Al-Sisi's participation in the conference had been criticized by various NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, as well as by the Greens and the left-wing party, Linke. For its part, the German Foreign Ministry issued a note calling on Cairo to take clear steps "aimed at improving the human rights situation" in Egypt.