German and French Africa policies in a multipolar world

Trilateral conference discussed implications of global order shifts for European engagement with Africa.

On 28 November 2025, the annual trilateral conference on German and French cooperation with Africa took place in Paris. The event was jointly organised by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) / Megatrends Afrika, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), and the Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri), bringing together experts from ministries, parliaments, academia, and civil society.

Discussions focused on the implications of a rapidly changing global order for European engagement with Africa. Participants highlighted that both Europe and Africa are increasingly navigating new geopolitical realities, competing narratives, and shifting power constellations, as emerging actors expand their influence on the continent.

Three thematic panels examined the evolving role of international development cooperation, Europe’s quest for secure and fair access to critical minerals, and current approaches to conflict resolution and mediation in the Horn of Africa. The debates underscored that the European Union – and in particular Germany and France – need to recalibrate their tools in order to strengthen equitable partnerships, promote local value creation, and support regional peace efforts.

IDOS was represented by PD Dr habil. Julian Bergmann, Dr Benedikt Erforth, Dr Lena Gutheil and PD Dr Stephan Klingebiel, who contributed as panellists, moderators and members of the organising team.