Berlin, 10/02/2026: At the Table Forum “Germany’s Role in the World”, representatives from politics, business and civil society discussed how development cooperation can generate lasting impact for both partner countries and Germany. The debate took place amid geopolitical shifts and growing strategic competition.
Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan emphasized that development cooperation is strategic policy and an instrument of preventive security. Moritz Schularick called for stronger prioritization and evidence-based approaches, presenting a “mutual-interest filter” to assess programs based on benefits for both donor and partner countries. Business representatives highlighted the need for faster, more practical instruments.
In this context, Prof. Kay Pfaffenberger engaged in discussions with Matthias von Bismarck-Osten (Greentec Capital Africa Foundation) and Prof. Helmut Asche (Universities of Leipzig and Mainz). The exchange focused on aligning development cooperation with sustainable private-sector engagement and long-term economic transformation in African partner countries.
The forum underscored a broader shift: development cooperation is increasingly viewed as a structural element of Europe’s strategic positioning – particularly in its partnership with Africa. The Center’s contributions, including those by Prof. Stefan Liebing, are part of this evolving debate.