Business & Development News
May 15, 2012
| Destatis/GIC Africa
Germany's statistics office released figures today for the first quarter of 2012 indicating the German economy is back on track for growth. Exports rose as did domestic consumption and employment figures. Following the first slight dip since the 2009 economic crisis during the last quarter of 2011, German GDP rose 0.5 percent.
Return to growth
May 10, 2012
| www.magazine-deutschland.de
Business in Africa is good for major German companies such as Siemens and Daimler – but German SMEs hesitate to invest. A study by the German-African Business Association presents a complex picture as well as the market opportunities on the continent.
Investing in Africa: Businesses wanted
May 7, 2012
| BMZ
The 2012 Development Policy Media Prizes were recently awarded in Berlin. One award each went to the categories of print, online, radio, and TV journalism. This year's winners covered topics such as complications faced by African women before and during childbirth and the turmoil in Somalia. The prize has been awarded annually by Germany's Development Ministry for 35 years.
Development Policy Media Prize for 2012
May 2, 2012
| GNTB
Despite the tough global economic situation, Destination Germany continues to grow in popularity beating previous records both on a monthly and yearly basis. The country notched up 63,8 million overnights by foreign visitors in 2011, a figure reflected in the increase of 5.1 percent of South Africans heading for Germany last year.
Increase in international visitors
Apr 25, 2012
| www.germany.info
As spring slowly arrives, the German economy has warmed as well. According to the newest report from the Munich-based Ifo Institute, the economic climate is improving.
Positive news on German economy
Apr 19, 2012
| BMZ
A summit meeting was held on April 16 in Brussels to mark the launch of Europe's contribution to the “Sustainable Energy for All” initiative spearheaded by the UN Secretary-General. Germany announced at the meeting that it will double its funding for the energy sector by 2030.
Sustainable Energy for All initiative
Apr 18, 2012
| www.magazine-deutschland.de
"Greentelligence" is the motto of the 2012 Hannover Messe, the world's leading technology event and largest fair for capital goods. The fair will take place from April 23 to 27 and will have a special focus on "green" technologies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will open the event with China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Hannover Messe 2012
Apr 13, 2012
| GIC Africa
FAIR TRADE, the international exhibition for fair trade and global responsible action, opened in Stuttgart on April 12. Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany's Development Ministry stressed the importance of fair trade as a modern instrument of development cooperation while speaking at the opening. Seventeen African nations are represented at this year's show.
Fair Trade exhibition 2012
Apr 12, 2012
| GIC Africa/Siemens SA
The Siemens Power Academy, an 800,000 Euro training investment, was officially launched in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa in early April. The academy provides specialized training focused on fossil power generation to learners already in the energy industry working for power utilities. The strategic location will contribute to regional skills development for power producers.
Siemens training facility in South Africa
