Germany–South Africa Cooperation as a Model for Europe–Africa Partnership
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS
21 December 2025
In a world marked by geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and the lingering aftershocks of global crises, cooperation between regions is no longer optional it is essential. Nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving relationship between Europe and Africa, and in particular between Germany and South Africa. Rooted in history and strengthened through consistent engagement, this partnership demonstrates how collaboration, mutual respect and people-to-people exchange can generate shared prosperity and resilience.
At the heart of this relationship lies a growing recognition that hospitality, travel and tourism are central to post-crisis global economic reconstruction. These sectors do more than generate revenue; they enable face-to-face interaction, cultural understanding and innovation. It is through direct human connection that trust is built, enterprises are formed and sustainable development takes shape.
This understanding has guided the work of Percy Morapedi Koji, Founder, CEO and Chair of Travel with Confidence (TWC) Pty Ltd, whose long-standing commitment to strengthening Europe–Africa ties has translated vision into action. Through sustained engagement across Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and South Korea, Koji has championed Africa’s vast yet under utilised potential promoting access to markets, education exchange and sustainable development grounded in local realities.
Germany–South Africa: A Relationship Built on Continuity and Trust
Relations between Germany and South Africa span decades and have matured through both historical challenges and contemporary geopolitical shifts. What distinguishes this partnership is its consistency: a willingness to invest in long-term collaboration rather than episodic engagement. Education, skills development, SME support and cultural exchange have emerged as pillars of cooperation areas where both societies see mutual benefit.
This commitment was clearly reflected in the 8th Annual Leadership, Capacity Building and Skills Development Summit, held in 2025 at Sun City in South Africa’s North-West Province. Organised through TWC and its non-profit arm, FML, the summit formed part of a broader programme focused on community upliftment, education exchange, innovation, dignity and access to global markets.
Since 2014, these summits have been hosted in various parts of South Africa, creating platforms where local communities, young entrepreneurs and international partners can engage meaningfully. The 2025 edition was particularly significant, welcoming a high-level delegation from Fulda, Germany a city increasingly active in international cooperation.
Education, Culture and Economic Collaboration in Practice
The German delegation included representatives from the Office of the Lord Mayor of Fulda Mrs Lea Remmert and Mrs Sophie Hillenbrand, representing Lord Mayor Dr Heiko Wingenfeld as well as Prof. Dr Karim Khakzar, President of Fulda University of Applied Sciences, accompanied by Mrs Julia-Sophie Rothmann, Head of the International Office.
Their mission was clear: to explore concrete partnerships with South African municipalities and universities in areas including:
• Education collaboration and student exchange
• Cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy
• Economic opportunities and SME development
• Sustainability and environmental cooperation
• Building global academic and professional networks
These engagements are being pursued in collaboration with Ba-Phala Borwa Municipality, which seeks to position itself as a strategic investment destination. Home to South Africa’s largest tourism hub, as well as significant mineral resources, the municipality recognises tourism, education and international partnerships as key drivers of inclusive growth.
From Vision to Opportunity: Youth, Mobility and Inclusion
One of the most impactful aspects of this partnership has been its focus on youth and previously disadvantaged students. Ba-Phala Borwa Municipality has already partnered with TWC on student exchange programmes, enabling South African students to participate in International Summer (ISU) and International Winter (IWU) exchanges in Germany.
Building on this momentum, Percy Koji will travel with four students from the University of Mpumalanga—many of whom are first-time passport holders with no prior international exposure. This initiative represents more than mobility; it is a deliberate effort to level the playing field, offering young South Africans access to global learning environments that expand skills, confidence and opportunity.
Such milestones are made possible through strategic partnerships, including with Sunday World, under the leadership of Ms Tinyiko Khoaho, whose support has been instrumental in amplifying these initiatives. Through consistent promotion of the summits, this partnership has helped support over 1,500 SMMEs, adding tangible value to local economies and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
SMEs, Employment and Shared Responsibility
The summits convened by TWC have become vital platforms for emerging SME leaders—connecting them to international partners, facilitating access to markets and opening pathways to global funding opportunities. In a country grappling with high unemployment, particularly among youth and persons with disabilities, such interventions are not symbolic; they are structural.
While TWC’s core focus remains tourism and destination management, its broader humanitarian outlook recognises that sustainable development must be community-centred. With expanded resources and partnerships, TWC aims to deepen its contribution to job creation, skills transfer and inclusive growth both in South Africa and abroad.
Cooperation as Strategy
The Germany South Africa partnership illustrates what Europe Africa cooperation can achieve when it is rooted in consistency, collaboration and mutual respect. In an era of global fragmentation, such relationships offer a counter-narrative one where shared challenges are met through dialogue, exchange and joint problem-solving.
Percy Koji’s dedication to nurturing this relationship underscores a broader truth: diplomacy today is not confined to chancelleries and communiqués. It is built through universities, municipalities, SMEs, students and communities. By investing in people-to-people exchange and practical cooperation, Germany and South Africa are not only strengthening bilateral ties—they are contributing to a more connected, resilient and equitable global future.