Austria: Austria’s federal government has unveiled a new ‘Africa Strategy’ aimed at redefining its relationships with African nations by 2027, with a focus on economic, migration, and security sectors. The initiative is currently in the planning phase.
According to Emirates News Agency, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized Africa’s vast economic potential, estimated at £3 trillion. She outlined that the strategy will concentrate on tackling illegal migration and human smuggling, enhancing repatriation processes, admitting skilled workers, and bolstering protection capacities in the countries of origin. The strategy also includes plans for cooperation in education, research, technology, and peace missions.
Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer stated that increased engagement with Africa is an ‘economic policy necessity’ for ensuring secure supply chains and access to rare earths. He added that Austria anticipates that new partnerships will lead to a doubling of export volumes and the creati
on of jobs both in Africa and domestically.
