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Switzerland recognises Africa's growing political and economic importance. By 2050, the African continent, which is currently home to 1.3 billion people, will account for over 25% of the world's population. Switzerland also recognises that Africa is a continent of considerable diversity, which presents both challenges and opportunities. In certain regions, large segments of the population are affected by global crises and climate change, while also coping with challenges such as violent extremism. However, other regions show significant potential, especially in terms of economic growth. Switzerland's Africa Strategy 2025–28 addresses both the opportunities and challenges involved.
This is the first time that the Federal Council has adopted a strategy for the entire continent. In the past, two separate strategies covered relations with Northern African and sub-Saharan African states. The Africa Strategy now builds on the earlier Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 and MENA Strategy 2021-24. It was considered appropriate to place greater emphasis on the ties between sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Africa, which include, for example, cooperation within the African Union on flagship projects such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, economic links, peacebuilding efforts and migration routes. A strategy for the entire continent affirms the importance of these ties.
Switzerland's interests on the African continent
The aim of the Africa Strategy is to build closer relations between African countries and Switzerland. Switzerland already has an extensive network of representations (18 embassies and 10 cooperation offices) in Africa, with an embassy or cooperation office in almost every country. In spring 2025, the cooperation office in Rwanda will be upgraded to an embassy. The strategy covers all five regions of Africa (Northern Africa, Western Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa) and defines Switzerland's objectives and measures. A further section focuses on African multilateralism. The Africa Strategy 2025–28 is based on the four thematic priorities defined in the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27: peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, the environment, and democracy and governance.
Switzerland is perceived as a trusted, independent bridge-builder and has a record of success as a mediator. It therefore has a key role to play in peace policy work. Certain African economies are experiencing strong growth on the back of an expanding middle class and a young and dynamic population, opening up new markets to Swiss companies. At the same time, various conflicts are causing migrant and refugee movements that potentially have a direct impact on Europe. The Africa Strategy deals extensively with migration issues. Switzerland and its European partners must develop strategies to manage instability by taking a humanitarian approach, but also by acting preventively, empowering African states to exercise individual responsibility. Climate change is also having an impact on migration, with Africa particularly hard hit by the effects of global warming. Close international cooperation with Africa on climate change will therefore be crucial. In addition, Switzerland promotes democratic values, processes and institutions in African countries. And finally, Switzerland is steadily scaling up activities based on its proactive scientific foreign policy.
Agility and flexibility of the new Africa strategy
In implementing the earlier Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy, it became evident that the new Africa Strategy needed to address the region's volatility more effectively. For this reason, the strategy places greater emphasis on systematic anticipation and the flexible application of foreign policy instruments. The tried-and-tested approach of defining clear objectives has also been maintained.
Coherence of Swiss foreign policy
Switzerland will implement the strategy in a spirit of partnership. Guided by the 'whole-of-Switzerland' approach, it will defend its interests and promote its values by working with a range of Swiss actors. It will encourage the establishment of partnerships and networks with governments, businesses, academia and civil society organisations.
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