Switzerland to play an active part in advancing the future of Africa

Promoting peace and stability on the African continent is one of Switzerland's key interests, also in terms of safeguarding its own security. Continuing its policy to date, Switzerland helps to prevent, manage and resolve conflict in its capacity as a credible mediator.

Many African countries, especially south of the Sahara, are suffering political instability, exacerbated by armed conflict and violent extremism. Combined with other factors, such as ailing state institutions and ethnic discrimination, these challenges create a vicious circle of political and regional fragility. Severe humanitarian crises are the result. Civilians often find themselves caught in the crossfire and suffer the direct and indirect consequences of conflict.

In its civilian peacebuilding efforts, Switzerland emphasises its impartiality, extensive experience and recognised capabilities. It takes a flexible approach to its peace policy that is aligned with its interests and values. Swiss humanitarian aid is a further central pillar of Switzerland's activities in Africa.

Swiss businesses are showing an increasing interest in Africa, despite the differences that exist between the 50 countries that make up the continent. Some of these businesses are already active in Africa. Together, Switzerland and its enterprises are helping to generate positive economic momentum.

Africa is a continent of expanding economic opportunities, characterised in part by a growing population and a wealth of natural resources. Its large economies are major players in the global economy while continuing to face economic and social challenges.

African societies are becoming younger, larger, more digital and more urban. In fact, Africa has the fastest rate of population growth in the world. Its youth is a possible driver of change and growth and represents a sizeable market with great potential.

Africa is particularly hard hit by the effects of climate change. Its climate is warming faster than the global average, leading to more frequent and more intense extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and flooding. Changing precipitation patterns exacerbate water scarcity and reduce agricultural productivity. This can jeopardise livelihoods and food security.

Escalating competition for natural resources in already fragile contexts is a huge challenge to stability, security, and the living conditions of local people. In this regard, climate change acts as a risk multiplier that intensifies existing political, social, economic and ecological stress factors.

Switzerland's efforts in Africa include conserving ecosystems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In various regions it also supports measures to manage the risk of natural disasters and to promote renewable energies with a view to building the resilience of local communities.

Switzerland is committed to enhancing its profile in the promotion of democracy. Its overarching aim is to strengthen the resilience of democracies overall and to consolidate and protect democratic values, processes and institutions in African states where they already exist, albeit in a vulnerable state. To achieve this, Switzerland encourages bilateral and multilateral dialogue to foster mutual exchange and to explore potential avenues for cooperation.

The past four years have been marked by negative trends in democracy and the rule of law in the region. Political leadership in Africa has undergone a series of unconstitutional changes of power, frequently unfair and non-transparent election processes, and some contentious constitutional amendments allowing ruling powers to remain in office for extended periods. Autocratic tendencies are presently gaining ground in many countries. These processes of change have often also led to a deterioration in human rights and to political instability.

West Africa is characterised by enormous cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity. Switzerland has wide-ranging interests in West Africa that are closely linked to its geographical proximity to Europe. The precarious security situation and violent extremism in the Sahel also pose a risk to Europe. Switzerland enjoys a high degree of credibility in the region. For over 50 years, its activities have covered diplomacy, development cooperation, humanitarian aid and peacebuilding. Switzerland is also valued as an independent and reliable partner.

A large number of East African countries are undergoing a process of political and economic transition. This holds out the prospect of a better medium and long-term future for the people of these countries, but may also heighten existing tensions and competition for resources. To support this process of transition, the rule of law must be strengthened, corruption must be fought, and deeply rooted ethnic conflicts must be addressed appropriately.

Switzerland has many strategic interests in East Africa. The region presents opportunities in terms of geographical economic diversification and expansion into new markets. Migration from and through the region, in particular, affects Switzerland directly. Switzerland has a well-established profile in East Africa, with a dense network of representations and a dedicated team for the Horn of Africa. It offers its services as a bridge-builder and is committed to compliance with international humanitarian law and the rule of law.

Central Africa is a region marked by ongoing internal and cross-border conflict that hinders its economic and social development. Poor governance in some countries and battling over natural resources produce a climate of insecurity. Economically, the region has experienced remarkable average growth in recent years. The benefits of this growth to the population are limited, however. Numerous inequalities persist and the region's infrastructure is still underdeveloped, while high levels of corruption further impede sustainable development.

Promoting peace is one of Switzerland's priorities in Central Africa, especially in the Great Lakes region. Given its impartiality and expertise in mediation, it can play a key role in resolving conflicts. Development cooperation and humanitarian aid are established pillars of Swiss action in Central Africa. In the face of repeated crisis, Switzerland works to meet people's needs by implementing projects relating to health, nutrition, the protection of civilians, and civic engagement.

Southern Africa is relatively stable at present. That said, many states are facing major social, economic and ecological challenges. Switzerland is committed to the continuing stability of Southern Africa, and not only with regard to its long-standing relations with the states of the region. In this context, it attaches great importance to sustainable activities that are compliant with both international law and human rights. Given its potential in terms of natural resources and renewable energies, the region offers opportunities for new forms of cooperation. To build that cooperation on solid ground, Switzerland has a particular interest in good governance and the prevention and combating of corruption.

The countries of North Africa recognise their status as a gateway to the rest of Africa for European markets, as well as their strategic importance to economic growth throughout the African continent. Many Swiss companies wishing to expand in sub-Saharan Africa are present in North Africa. Yet there is more to it than that.

The interests and added value associated with Switzerland's presence in North Africa also extend to areas such as peace and security, especially in connection with the neighbouring Sahel region. Switzerland contributes to peacebuilding and conflict prevention, as well as to the protection of basic rights, respect for international humanitarian law, and upholding the rule of law. North African states' geographical location south of the Mediterranean makes them priority partners in Switzerland's foreign policy on migration, which is why Switzerland cultivates close relationships in this area.