13.06.2017

AFRIKA KOMMT!: Young managers from Africa in German companies

The German private sector initiative has achieved a new record with nearly 6,000 applicants from 45 countries.

One of the priorities of the German G20 Presidency in 2017 is Africa and the challenges the continent is facing as well as its potential.

This potential is also the key focus of the AFRIKA KOMMT! initiative, which 19 leading German companies launched in 2008. The initiative trains future managers and fosters German-African economic relations. Word about the initiative has spread quickly, including through reporting in African media. In the first year alone, about 1,000 young managers from 30 sub-Saharan countries applied. Now, in 2017, 5,790 applicants from 45 countries have applied.

The programme revolves around an eight-month internship in a German company. During their assignment, participants gain valuable insight into work processes, company structures and management methods. But the programme goes beyond providing individual support. The participants’ trips also turn them into experts for future economic cooperation between their home countries and Germany. Alumni networks strengthen the newly formed relationships, which benefits both sides.

The participating German companies cover the costs for AFRIKA KOMMT!. On their behalf, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH organises and steers the various activities from its State Office North Rhine-Westphalia.

The initiative was expanded in 2017, so when the 21 carefully selected participants arrive in Germany in August, two German foundations will be among the hosts. For the first time, experts and managers from the public-benefit sector will also receive training.

Additional information