Europe and Africa in global power shifts
How will the fragmentation of global power and demographic shifts redefine future Africa-Europe relations?
Date: 2026-04-14
Time: 09:00 to 10:30
Venue: Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft, Breite Straße 29, 10178 Berlin, and online
The geopolitical landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as global power disperses beyond traditionally dominant states. While the United States and China remain central, the rise of middle powers and Africa’s expanding youthful population are creating new structural dynamics.
This seminar shifts focus from immediate crises to long-term patterns of influence through to 2050. Drawing on a new research initiative, experts will examine how changing external engagements and a lack of regional integration affect Africa’s strategic options. What would a genuinely balanced and forward-looking partnership with Europe entail?
This event is co-hosted by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Megatrends Afrika and the Federation of German Industries.
Moderator: Lena Gutheil, Senior Researcher, German Institute of Development and Sustainability
Opening remarks: Dr Wolfgang Stefinger, Member of the Bundestag and Chair, Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development
Presentation: Collin Meisel, Director of Analysis, Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures, University of Denver
Panelists:
- Linda Lochner, Researcher, Kiel Institute for the World Economy
- Priyal Singh, Senior Researcher, ISS Pretoria
- Heike Bergmann, SVP Sales Africa, Voith Hydro Holding GmbH & Co. KG and Deputy Chairwoman, Sub-Saharan Africa Initiative of German Business
Closing remarks: Hanns Bühler, Resident Representative, HSF South Africa
