On 22 January 2026 in Addis Ababa, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed the strong strategic partnership with the African Union, based on multilateralism and peace/security, and announced a financial commitment of €88 million for 2026-2027 in support of continental priorities. This announcement follows a visit to Kenya, strengthening bilateral cooperation.
In Addis Ababa on 22 January 2026, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership with the African Union, based on shared values including multilateralism, peace, security, human rights and sustainable development. Berlin announced €88 million in funding for 2026–2027 to support African priorities: peace, security, good governance, migration, health security, the AfCFTA, the AU Border Programme and AFRIPOL.
The African Union Commission values its relationships with the federal government of Germany, and I would like also to seize this opportunity to commend Germany’s leadership in global decision-making. We all know that the international order is being disrupted. That creates a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability for the future.And it’s certainly not helpful, nor can we properly plan the full execution of our peace and development agenda. Let us hope that reason and wisdom will prevail over reckless and disrupting decisions that have global impacts.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Johann Wadephul undertook a two-day tour of Africa (Kenya and Ethiopia) to strengthen Euro-African dialogue. In Nairobi, he met with President William Ruto and visited the Humanitarian Peace Support School, praising German-Kenyan cooperation in training and peacekeeping. Discussions on a defence cooperation agreement are ongoing.
We are also aware that progress on return cooperation is essential.Here, we still see room for improvement. And we will continue to advocate strongly for effective cooperation. I am confident that through this joint effort, we will be able to shape a sustainable and successful partnership in the field of migration and mobility.
Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Germany
In Addis Ababa, discussions also addressed regional security challenges, particularly in the Great Lakes region and Sudan, where hostilities are having serious humanitarian consequences. The Chairperson of the AU Commission and the German Minister called for an immediate ceasefire, inclusive dialogue and the protection of civilians, emphasising the central role of African organisations in conflict prevention and management.
Germany also plays a peacekeeping role on our continent. It has to be recognised. Germany is chairing the Contact and Coordination Group on the Great Lake region. Despite the unconstitutional change of government, Germany maintained its cooperation with the Sahel countries, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The German government also supports the African Union Border Programme and AFRIPOL. And Germany has also been the driving force of the G20 Compact with Africa, a very important programme aimed at mobilising private capital for investment and the creation of job opportunities in our continent.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
For Germany, this partnership goes beyond aid; it aims to promote multilateralism and a rules-based international order, while supporting African integration (notably the AfCFTA). Africa sees it as key financial and institutional support for its initiatives and for increasing its representation in global institutions, notably through reform of the UN Security Council.
