Africa priority — Merkel:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on a trip to Ethiopia, said she would make Africa a priority for Germany’s G20 presidency next year and outlined plans for a conference in Berlin.

The German leader is on the last leg of a three day trip which has also included stops in Mali and Niger. She is seeking investment opportunities which she hopes will help drive economic growth and curb future migration to Europe.

Earlier Merkel told Ethiopia to open up its politics and ensure police do not use heavyhanded tactics against protesters, after more than a year of unrest that rights groups say has led to about 500 deaths.

Then, in a speech to the African Union, Merkel said Berlin would host a high-profile conference on Africa in mid 2017.

“We want to strengthen private investment to create sustainable growth and jobs,” Merkel said, adding it was important to expand infrastructure on the continent and improve professional training.

Participants in the conference would include industry representatives and international organisations, she said, urging companies to engage in Africa. (RTRS)