‘International engagement serves German interests’
Our stability, prosperity and security are closely interlinked with international cooperation, says Wolfgang Stefinger. The Chairman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development (AwZ) advocates for strategic partnerships and greater economic engagement in Africa.
Mr Stefinger, international cooperation is under pressure. How do you explain Germany’s international engagement to the public?
In my constituency, I’m regularly asked why money gets sent abroad, even though we have enough problems here in Germany. I try to explain that international engagement is not an end in itself, but serves German interests. We have an especially strong interconnection with the world. Our stability, prosperity and security are therefore closely interlinked with international cooperation.
How do you counter particularly critical stances on international cooperation?
One of my questions is: ‘Have you come into contact with another country today?’ If the person doesn't answer, I continue: ‘Where do your clothes come from? Did you drink coffee this morning? Do you have a smartphone in your pocket?’ There is a link to foreign countries in all of these things. Cotton primarily grows in developing countries, and the same goes for coffee beans. Rare earth elements, which are essential in smartphones, often come from the Global South.
Do your discussion partners accept such arguments?
In many cases they do. If there are then still those who believe that money is being wasted abroad, while pensioners collect bottles here in Germany, I reply: if we were to cease international cooperation, then it would not only be pensioners who would have to collect bottles in the future. Because a large portion of our industry would no longer be able to manufacture. For example the automotive industry, which relies on international supply chains, or mechanical engineers and the pharmaceutical industry. So it is important that we remain present on the international stage.
‘International cooperation opens doors and often has a foothold in certain areas already before the private sector arrives.’
Would smart trade policy not be sufficient?
International cooperation opens doors and often has a foothold in certain areas already before the private sector arrives. GIZ has extensive knowledge of many countries in the world, of their systems and their civil society. It is a recognised brand abroad and can establish connections to a wide range of actors, including the private sector. Trade policy alone cannot do this.
You talked about global supply chains that German companies rely on. Africa, our neighbouring continent, has played less of a prominent role here up to now. Why is that?
Some countries in Africa still have ground to make up in terms of political stability, the rule of law and infrastructure. This creates uncertainties that can sometimes put German companies off. At the same time, Africa has significant potential and is very attractive for German companies in the medium to long term, also in terms of reducing dependency on China.
Are companies perhaps taking too little risk?
It might be that their risk aversion is greater than it needs to be. However, we are in an uncertain economic situation. So I understand if companies are being cautious in times like these. It is all the more important to shine a spotlight on the success stories. Like the automotive suppliers in Tunisia who have established an important location in the country. And a major plant construction firm that has built beverage filling plants in various African countries.
has been a member of the Bundestag for the constituency of Munich East since 2013. A graduate in business administration, he has chaired the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development (AwZ) since 2025. His political priority areas include stronger economic partnerships, primarily with Africa, and the fight against hunger and food insecurity.
I am pleased that the business associations are now focusing more on this topic. We should all, including GIZ, communicate even better that there are major opportunities for Germany here that we cannot miss. Otherwise others will seize them.
How could international cooperation support German economic interests even more?
By using their diverse contacts and always keeping the private sector in mind. So, for instance: taking business representatives along on trips, examining early on in new projects how companies could be involved, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in negotiations, and, in general, becoming faster. It simply takes too long to get projects planned and approved. Businesses don’t have that much time. Certainly, we will also need to improve some instruments such as export guarantees and, above all, interlink economic cooperation instruments with those used to promote foreign trade. That is then the job of policy-makers.
In the interests of streamlining processes, would it be conceivable to give GIZ and KfW greater freedom? Like in France, for example, where the government sets out priorities, but doesn’t approve and control every project.
I can well imagine that. I am trying to steer things in this direction in and with the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, but ultimately it’s up to the government. We should also take a more focused approach. Meaningful international cooperation no longer needs to take place in more than 60 countries. I also question the minor details that projects involve. I would welcome fewer, but bigger projects in selected countries. You can achieve more this way – and you are more visible as a partner.
‘It is crucial to work systematically with countries that are important for Germany and that are prepared to cooperate on the basis of shared values and interests.’
Are such considerations due to falling budgets?
Not necessarily. In today’s world, I believe it is crucial not to scatter resources across the globe, but to work systematically with countries that are important for Germany and that are prepared to cooperate on the basis of shared values and interests. This then also includes ending development cooperation with problematic countries. The US has withdrawn from international cooperation in some cases; Germany can fill the gaps strategically and take a leading position – but only if we concentrate our efforts. Incidentally, I am committed to stopping the development budget from being reduced further.
How are countries in the Global South reacting to the prospect of Germany being more interest-driven in the future?
My impression is that partners tend to react with suspicion when we don’t disclose our interests. Many countries in the Global South are now more self-assured and would rather be partners than in a position of asking for help – they want to put forward their own offerings. But this can only work if the interests of all involved are communicated clearly.
We have talked a lot about interests. What values do you associate with international cooperation?
In addition to everything else, it supports people in poverty and need. GIZ thus helps to diffuse crises and to create prospects locally. There is also a Christian aspect of shared humanity behind it. For me, and as laid out in the coalition agreement, values and interests are equally important. In all the justified discussions about interests, this should never be overlooked.
