On December 20, 2024, the Swiss Federal Council approved its new Africa Strategy 2025-2028, marking a significant shift in Switzerland’s engagement with the continent.
Africa’s Growing Global Importance
By 2050, Africa will account for over 25% of the world’s population. The continent faces challenges like instability and climate change, but also immense economic potential. Switzerland’s strategy aims to leverage these opportunities while addressing vulnerabilities.
Swiss Interests in Africa
Switzerland’s Africa Strategy aligns with its national interests, fostering a stable and prosperous environment conducive to Swiss values, business, and diplomacy. With Africa’s growing geopolitical significance, particularly its young population and economic potential, Switzerland aims to strengthen its partnerships across the continent in several key areas:
Key Areas of Focus
- Peace and Security: Switzerland will continue its role as a neutral mediator, focusing on regions like the Sahel and Great Lakes, and promoting stability across both North and sub-Saharan Africa to foster a secure environment for economic growth.
- Economic Cooperation: With Africa’s rising middle class, Switzerland aims to promote investment in renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare, aligning Swiss expertise with Africa’s development needs.
- Environmental Sustainability: Switzerland will support Africa’s transition to green energy and address climate change impacts, providing technological solutions in renewable energy, water management, and sustainable agriculture.
- Democracy and Governance: Promoting strong institutions, rule of law, and democratic values remains a core part of Switzerland’s strategy to ensure stability and transparent governance across both regions.
- Migration: Switzerland will work to address the root causes of migration—conflict, poverty, and climate change—while strengthening African countries’ capacity to manage migration flows and support development.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Switzerland will continue to collaborate with African regional organizations, civil society, and international partners to foster collective solutions to shared challenges.
Agility and Flexibility
The strategy emphasizes Switzerland’s ability to remain agile in addressing emerging crises across both North and sub-Saharan Africa, with midterm reviews to ensure adaptability.
Conclusion: Switzerland as Africa’s Trusted Partner
Switzerland’s Africa Strategy 2025-2028 is designed to foster a sustainable and inclusive future for Africa, with an emphasis on collaboration, peacebuilding, and economic growth. Through targeted investments and multilateral cooperation, Switzerland aims to support Africa’s development while addressing global challenges such as migration and climate change.
With this strategy, Switzerland positions itself as a committed and dynamic partner in Africa’s long-term growth and stability.