Never before have international development funds been cut as drastically as they are now. While it is true that we must be careful about how we spend money, much of what falls under the category of development aid is also a sound investment for the donors, says Philipp Rotmann, a security expert and director of the Global Public Policy Institute.
By Philipp Rotmann
After nearly 30 years, the WTO’s tariff moratorium on e-commerce has expired. This is good news for countries in the Global South, according to digital trade experts Africa Kiiza and Sven Hilbig. However, African governments must make wise use of this opportunity.
By Africa Kiiza and Sven Hilbig
On the occasion of the Sudan donor conference that will take place in Berlin in mid-April, the children’s rights organization Plan International has called for aid for survivors of sexual violence to be fully funded. At least 5% of all humanitarian funding for Sudan and for refugee assistance in the region should be allocated to measures aimed at combating gender-based violence.
By Petra Berner
To remain capable of acting in the current global political landscape, Africa’s economies must present a united front, according to economists Lukas Kornher and Frederik Stender of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS). In their op-ed, they argue that this could be achieved by strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) along European lines.
By Lukas Kornher and Frederik Stender
Management consultant Stefan Liebing believes that the German federal government’s initiatives to ensure the security of raw materials are largely inadequate for achieving this goal. He is calling for a new division of responsibilities between the government and the private sector in raw materials policy.
By Stefan Liebing
Last week, German Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) promoted economic cooperation in South Africa. His trip sent an important signal, writes Per Brodersen, managing director of the German Agribusiness Alliance, who took part as a business representative.
By Per Brodersen
Impacc CEO Till Wahnbaeck would like to see more support for African entrepreneurs. He is convinced that entrepreneurship is the key to economic development on the continent.
By Till Wahnbaeck
Girls’ rights have become a blind spot in the current Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) reform, warns Petra Berner, head of Plan International Germany. In her view, it is essential to keep girls at the center of development policy.
By Petra Berner
The BMZ has announced plans to strengthen the evaluation of development policy measures. Gabriel Hanrieder and Johanna Wicke of the think tank Kooperation Global welcome this move as a step in the right direction. In their Opinion piece, they outline what they expect from the ministry’s planned “Evidence Service Unit.”
By Johanna Wicke and Gabriel Hanrieder
Germany urgently needs skilled workers – both now and in the long term. It is therefore right that the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is addressing the issue directly with the launch of its Skilled Workers Alliance “WE-Fair” in mid-March. However, the ministry must avoid taking too narrow a view.
By Markus Demele
