Participation of UCLG Africa in the 6th partnership conference between municipalities in Germany and sub-Saharan Africa
From 8 to 11 September 2025, the 6th partnership conference between municipalities in Germany and sub-Saharan Africa was held in Giessen (Germany). This year, the city of Giessen and its partner municipality Swakopmund in Namibia, as well as the district of Giessen and its partner municipality Mubende in Uganda, are the host partners for this meeting, which is held every three years.
Around 180 participants from 18 African countries and Germany, representing 47 municipal partnerships, discussed the theme: ‘Learning from each other, acting together – strong partnerships for global sustainability’.
The official welcome speeches were given by Mr. Frank-Tilo Becher, Mayor of the City of Giessen, Mr. Blasius Goraseb, Mayor of the City of Swakopmund, Namibia, Ms. Anita Schneider, District Administrator of Giessen County, Mr. Innocent Bakuluwgelo Ssekiziyivu, Mayor of the City of Mubende, Uganda, and Mr. Jochen Steinhilber, Director General, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
UCLG Africa took part in the proceedings with a keynote speech by its Secretary General, Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi. The theme of the presentation was: ‘Local governance and decentralised cooperation in a changing geopolitical context’. He highlighted the impact on local governance of the demographic dynamics of the African continent and the accompanying transformations in population distribution (urbanisation). It was also an opportunity to present the challenges of decentralised cooperation and its potential in a world where solidarity and the common destiny of humanity are called upon in the face of climate change and its impacts.
“We are facing a situation where there is a high risk of international solidarity collapsing. Cities and regions are on the front line in finding a way to safeguard solidarity and multilateralism. They are at the heart of the climate challenge, whether it be reducing greenhouse gas emissions or adapting to climate change. They are key players in migration management, as they are the starting point and destination for migratory flows,” he argued.
For Mr Elong Mbassi, ‘Partnerships show that municipalities are managing to maintain an atmosphere of international solidarity, unlike what is currently happening between states. They are the guardians of multilateralism.’
The proceedings included: a round table on German-African municipal partnerships: current situation and challenges, a round table of mayors, county presidents, district administrators and councillors, parallel workshops on waste management, solar energy, urban development, climate change, water, mobility, localisation of SDGs, women’s empowerment at local level, migration, etc.
Discussions have shown that municipal partnerships are a model of success and make a real difference in municipalities in African countries and Germany. Teamwork and projects help to improve the quality of municipal services. Tailored solutions are found to address municipal challenges in a global context. Cohesion is a reality.
THEY SAID …
“When people feel that partnership projects are changing their lives and that the municipality is taking responsibility for them, it strengthens their confidence in the ability of local governments to take action. Our partnership with Mubende thus promotes participation and democracy.”
Anita Schneider, District President of Giessen
‘Water is an important natural resource, perhaps the most important one for us humans. Our challenge is to make it accessible to everyone, under fair conditions and taking into account ecological and health aspects.’
Legrand Tchatchouang, Prince of Bangoua (Bangangté, Cameroon)
‘South Africa is experiencing an energy crisis, which makes the budgetary aspect particularly important. Our project is not only about water, but also energy, as these are the two main cost factors in municipalities.’
Anna Hörlein, Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband (Oldenburg and East Frisia Water Management Association)
“It’s not just about a two-way transfer of knowledge, although that is of course important. What’s special is tackling a problem together. We’ve all been socialised differently and have different perspectives. I find it exciting to find common solutions based on that.”
Samantha Westphal, City of Oldenburg
‘What may seem like a small project from the outside is changing people’s lives.’
Wabyona Jacqueline Banana, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda
Photos credit : @Philip