Government Begins Work on Africa Strategy with Focus on Economy and Migration

The federal government officially launched a new "Africa Strategy" on Wednesday. The project, which is to be implemented by 2027, is currently still in the planning phase but aims to strategically, economically, and security-wise realign Austria's relations with Africa.

"It is a failure that we do not yet have an Africa strategy," said Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) after the cabinet meeting. Africa is a "continent of opportunity," with an estimated economic potential of three trillion euros.

Economic Partnerships and Exports in Focus

Austrian companies such as OMV, Verbund, or voestalpine are already active in Africa today, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized. Minister of Economy Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) spoke of an "economic policy necessity" to show presence in Africa, for example, to secure supply chains and rare earths.

He expects new partnerships to double the export volume and create new jobs – both in Africa and in Austria.

Migration, Education, and Security as Key Topics

In addition to economic goals, migration and security policy are also to become central themes of the strategy. According to Meinl-Reisinger, the government wants to combat illegal migration and human smuggling, make repatriations more efficient, enable the admission of qualified professionals, and expand protection capacities in countries of origin. Additionally, cooperation in education, research, and technology is planned. Participation in peace missions is also to be continued.

Competition from China and Russia

SPÖ State Secretary Michaela Schmidt dismissed concerns that an Africa strategy is out of place in economically challenging times: "It is not a social project, but a political necessity."

Meinl-Reisinger warned that inactivity in Africa would give room to other powers – such as China or Russia. Europe must not allow itself to be weakened by foreign policy lethargy, she said. Hattmannsdorfer also pointed to the increasingly erratic foreign policy of the USA.

Own Africa Envoy Planned

The lead responsibility lies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but several departments will be involved. The appointment of a dedicated Africa envoy is also planned. An initial report to parliament is to be presented in 2026, with the strategy to be implemented in 2027.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen had already signaled interest in closer Africa relations with a state visit to South Africa at the beginning of July. The absence of all government members caused irritation at the time. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger is now planning her first Africa trip for mid-October – the destination is Uganda.

FPÖ Sets Conditions for Aid Funds

Criticism of the planned Africa strategy came from the FPÖ. Their foreign policy spokesperson Susanne Fürst criticized the strategy in a statement as a "new self-realization project of the NEOS Foreign Minister." For example, the planned Africa envoy would be associated with costs. "I think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has enough staff to implement such projects. This money could and should be saved," said Fürst. Many domestic companies are already successful in Africa without the help of the Austrian government.

Before "the cornucopia is also poured out over African countries," they must commit "without ifs and buts" to the repatriation of illegal and criminal migrants. The North African countries should also no longer allow refugee boats to depart. "These two points are prerequisites for more intensive cooperation and for voluntary aid funds," said the representative of the largest parliamentary party.

(APA/Red)

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