Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul’s Visit to Kenya and Ethiopia
Germany’s Diplomatic Engagement in East Africa
February 12th, 2026
In January 2026, German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul undertook an official visit to Kenya and Ethiopia. The visit underscored Germany’s strategic interest in the region and reflected its broader foreign policy objective of promoting peace, stability, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. By engaging with key political leaders, regional institutions, civil society, and economic stakeholders, Germany positioned itself as a reliable and constructive partner in addressing shared regional and global challenges.
In Kenya, Germany highlighted the importance of its long-standing bilateral relationship with a country widely regarded as a cornerstone of regional stability. Bilateral discussions with President William Ruto and Foreign Minister Musalia W. Mudavadi emphasised Kenya’s pivotal role as a mediator in regional conflicts and as a significant contributor to African Union peacekeeping operations, notably in Somalia. Germany acknowledged Kenya’s leadership within the African Union framework and emphasized continued cooperation in areas such as security, vocational training, and economic development. These engagements reflected Germany’s integrated approach, linking political dialogue with sustainable economic and social partnerships.
During the visit to Ethiopia, Germany placed particular emphasis on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Minister Wadephul engaged in substantive discussions with Ethiopian counterparts on current political and security developments, encouraging dialogue and peaceful solutions to ongoing challenges. Germany reiterated its support for Ethiopia’s stabilising role in the region and underlined the importance of cooperation on issues such as counter-terrorism, regional connectivity, and the protection of vital trade routes, all of which are of shared strategic importance.
A key component of the visit was Germany’s engagement with the African Union in Addis Ababa, where Germany reaffirmed its strong support for multilateralism and African-led solutions. The discussions highlighted Germany’s role as a trusted bilateral partner and advocate of a rules-based international order. Through this engagement, Germany demonstrated its commitment to strengthening regional institutions and supporting African ownership in addressing continental and global challenges, reinforcing its position as a central diplomatic actor in East Africa.
