German Ambassador H.E. Jens Hanefeld Visits GIZ African Union Annual Planning 2025

The GIZ African Union team, with colleagues from across Africa and Europe, gathered in Addis Ababa from 4 to 6 March for our Annual Planning 2025. Over three days, we reflected on the past year’s achievements, strategised for the year ahead, and discussed how to expand our impact and strengthen partnerships.

A key highlight was the visit and address by H.E. Jens Hanefeld, German Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union. Speaking to around 250 team members from 44 countries, Ambassador Hanefeld acknowledged GIZ’s efforts on behalf of the German government. He shared valuable perspectives on Germany’s cooperation with the African Union and its member states, particularly Ethiopia, as well as Germany’s evolving priorities in development cooperation and diplomatic engagement in Africa.

His insights sparked reflections on how GIZ can continue to enhance its role as a trusted partner to the African Union. The annual planning, enriched by the ambassador’s visit, strengthened the team’s commitment to continue our impactful work in the year ahead.