Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa is a continent full of opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, fragile state structures, armed conflicts, terrorist and criminal activities, inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, rapid population growth, and the effects of climate change are hampering the continent’s sustainable development. One third of Africa´s population lives below the poverty line. On the other hand, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, Africa has enormous economic, social, and cultural potential. Africa’s very young, dynamic population (42% under the age of 15) can become a driving force for a prosperous, innovative, and sustainable Africa.

Austria can look back on a long, friendly engagement in Africa, both in the political and economic spheres, as well as cultural in the cultural one. By participating in peacekeeping operations and training missions (e.g. command of EUTM Mali in the first half of 2022), Austria regularly makes important contributions to peace and security in Africa. In the area of trade and investment, Austrian companies are already successfully active in many African countries. The potential is far from exhausted.

For many years, the Austrian Development Cooperation has been engaged in priority countries and regions and has contributed to creating perspectives for life on the ground. The aim is not only to reduce poverty and social disadvantages but also to effectively combat the causes of migration. The Austrian Development Cooperation is complemented by the commitment of many Austrian NGOs and private initiatives to implement humanitarian aid and development projects with state funds and donations.

Against this backdrop, work is currently underway to draw up a comprehensive national Africa Strategy for Austria. It is intended to raise the partnership with Africa to a new level and expand the possibilities of increased cooperation to the areas of infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, environmental and climate technologies.