Issue 3/ 2009 November Editorial JOINT M Welcome to the new issue of Joint MAG. This time, we discuss the frica recent federal elections in A Germany, which have brought about a new coalition government between the Christian Democrats ermany and the Liberal party. Far from G being a complete reflection, we focus on the path that German and Germany's Development Policy After the Elections: African relations might take in the What Does the Future Hold? realm of "high politics". Enjoy reading and feel free to discuss by Ilka Ritter, Germany further and provide feeback on the articles. For the outsider, German development cooperation can be a confusing subject due to the multitude of actors involved. The Ministry for Economic Best, Cooperation and Development (BMZ) defines the fundamental principles of Dennis Kumetat and Linda Poppe German development policy and participates in international fora. The BMZ, however, does not implement development programmes. This is done by the German development bank (KfW), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), German Development Service (DED), Capacity Building International Call for Contributions to the (InWent) and various faith-based or political organizations. Feburary issue of JointMAG The Rights of Women and Like any other institution, BMZ has proven to be resistant to change: The last Children Social Democrat/Conservative coalition government had far-reaching plans Based on our overview from the 2nd about merging the two biggest players KfW and GTZ. However, the plans issue of JointMAG, we will dedicate never materialized. Just before the elections in September, rumours about the Feburary issue to the rights of the future of German development policy were floating around. Is the BMZ women and children. Still among going to be closed down? Is the BMZ going to be merged with the German the most vulnerable groups, it's Foreign Office (AA)? Is the budget for German development cooperation time to take a look at their situation going to be reduced significantly? Now that the elections have brought about and recent developments. Articles a coalition government of the conservatives (CDU) and the liberals (FDP), and other contributions to this rumours are not dying down. The global financial crisis has lead the German theme are welcome. Please contact government to spend huge amounts of money on saving banks and aiding us personally or via the German economy - how much will be left for development co-operation? go_africa_go_germany(at)yahoogrou The new Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (FDP) pointed out that his ps.de until December 15th. intention is to end a situation in which BMZ is practicing an alternative foreign policy. However, the Liberals have recently appointed Dirk Niebel as the BMZ's new minister despite the fact that he previously advocated for the BMZ Content to be closed down. Germany's Development Policy After the Elections // 1 Time will tell whether Dirk Niebel will be able to launch a new development Call for Contributions // 1 policy initiative from his new post or merely become BMZ's liquidator. We will A Word on German Policy Towards also see if the German development scene will be reformed – and if so, Africa // 2 whether this reform will render development programmes more effective. Scholarship Holder Profile // 3 Above all, we have to hope that national interests and financial pressures will Miscellaneous // 4 not lead to a step-back in German's contribution to reaching the Millennium Imprint // 4 Development Goals. A Word on German Policy Towards Africa This year’s elections for the German parliament led to a change in government. The parliamentary faction of the FDP (Free Democratic Party) increased by 32 representatives and is now part of the new coalition government. FDP's Africa expert Marina Schuster met with first generation Marina Schuster has been alumnus Benjamin Zasche to discuss her views on German-African relations and a member of the German policies likely to be put on the agenda within her term in office. Bundestag since 2005. Her FDP membership goes Benjamin: Ms. Schuster, it seems that the experts on Africa policy of the parties back to 1997. She represented in the German parliament do not question the necessity of a strategic predominantly works on cooperation with the African continent. However, the issue of how a “partnership at topics concerning foreign eye level” could be structured is dealt with in different ways. How would you describe policy and is the Africa your party’s position? expert of her party. Marina Schuster: First and foremost we do not want to reinforce the policies the first Since the elections, her world had towards the third world for the longest time. The African continent has party is in charge of the been a receiver of aid for decades but we could not substantially change the situation Foreign Ministry as well as of most of the people living in poverty. There is a frustration amongst African elites the Ministry for Economic that call for the end of the classic development cooperation. We now have to look very Cooperation and carefully at the possibilities of aid as well as at the problems. The Free Democrats Development. were very critical towards donating money into state budgets- the so called budget aid - because this does not guarantee fully that the money given will be used according to the needs of the population, in respect of human rights and under the rule of law. Only compliance with good governance criteria can ensure that taxpayer’s money will reach the needy. But even with help from outside we will not be successful in helping sustainably if we do not look at realities on the ground and spot the potential inherent to African societies. The Free Democrats see real opportunities for sustainable development in African countries in supporting economic cooperation with Germany and the EU. One prerequisite for that would have to be the security situation and the rule of law. Therefore, a first step has to be the enhancement of African security architecture like the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Taking African endeavors seriously and engaging in economic development by investing in Africa means we treat each others as partners. Benjamin: Your main concern is a re-coordination of Germany’s Africa policy. In your eyes, which would be the main advantages of incorporating the ministry for economic cooperation and development (BMZ) into the Foreign Office (AA)? Marina Schuster: First of all, I can now tell you that we have a minister from the Free Democratic Party as minister of the BMZ. This means we will not incorporate the BMZ into the Foreign Office. Being responsible for foreign affairs as well as economic cooperation and development will ensure that we speak with one voice in the area of foreign relations in the coming legislative period. This is a huge improvement because political, economic and security cooperation are interdependent. I have seen in my day-to-day work in the German parliament that little by little, the Ministry for Economic Cooperation would use its monetary power to influence German’s policy towards Africa. Because the budget of the BMZ has been increasing over the years with view to adhering to the international commitments, the sphere of possibilities became larger. As a consequence, Germany had established two policies towards many regions with different criteria and aims. Many countries felt they could play us out because we were not precise in our commitment. Now we can ensure better cooperation and coherence in our foreign relations which makes us more credible to our partners. continued on page 3 Benjamin: One of the central aspects of the FDP’s foreign policy is to improve the conditions of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) for German companies. How do you think this goal can be reached with regard to investments in African states? Marina Schuster: African states have to be attractive to foreign investors, especially small and medium sized enterprises or companies investing in renewable energies, telecommunication and infrastructure. This mainly depends on the security environment. Few firms are willing to take the risk that something might happen to their employees or that they might lose their property due to the malfunctioning of the judicial system. We need to support these countries in creating an investor-friendly environment. Eventually, we have to show them that it is in their own interest. For instance: not only do German investors bring money into the country, they also account for knowledge transfer into countries that lack educated and well-trained workers. Another hurdle to more investment is that many companies do not have enough information on the possibilities African countries can offer. This is why the government has to promote an intensive dialogue between the political and the economic sphere. This could be done through round tables bringing together the two sides on a regular basis. A Word on German Policy Towards Africa This year’s elections for the German parliament led to a change in government. The parliamentary faction of the FDP (Free Democratic Party) increased by 32 representatives and is now part of the new coalition government. FDP's Africa expert Marina Schuster met with first generation alumnus Benjamin Zasche to discuss her views on German-African relations and policies likely to be put on the agenda within her term in office. Benjamin: Ms. Schuster, it seems that the experts on Africa policy of the parties represented in the German parliament do not question the necessity of a strategic cooperation with the African continent. However, the issue of how a “partnership at eye level” could be structured is dealt with in different ways. How would you describe your party’s position? Marina Schuster: First and foremost we do not want to reinforce the policies the first world had towards the third world for the longest time.