THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Daniela Schwarzer, a prominent German political scientist and expert in international affairs, has been appointed as the new President of the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), Germany’s leading institution for international cultural exchange. She will assume the honorary position on 3 June 2025, succeeding historian and publicist Ulrich Raulff, who has held the role since 2018.
Schwarzer currently serves as a member of the Executive Board at the Bertelsmann Stiftung. Her extensive experience includes roles as Director and CEO of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and Executive Director for Europe and Central Asia at the Open Society Foundations. She is also an Honorary Professor of Political Science at the Free University of Berlin and has been a guest professor at Harvard University.
In her new role, Schwarzer will chair ifa’s Presidium and General Assembly, guiding the institution’s strategic direction. The position is honorary, with a term of four years.
“With Daniela Schwarzer, ifa gains a highly respected and well-connected figure in European and international circles,” said Ralf Beste, Head of the Culture and Society Department at the Federal Foreign Office. “Her expertise will provide new impetus to foreign cultural and societal policy, which is particularly crucial in times of global competition for influence.”
Schwarzer emphasized the importance of ifa’s role amid current geopolitical challenges:
“The geopolitical upheavals confronting Germany also impact foreign cultural and societal policy. ifa makes crucial contributions in an increasingly complex foreign policy environment: it opens spaces for critical exchange and collaboration in art and culture, supports civil society actors in their commitment to human rights and democracy worldwide, and manages two protection programs. ifa will continue to provide significant contributions through its research at the intersection of culture and foreign policy, backed by its credible perspective rooted in practice. With these efforts and its international networks, ifa is a vital player in foreign relations. I look forward to supporting ifa in further developing its successful work in this honorary capacity, together with the Presidium and General Assembly.”
Founded over a century ago, ifa promotes peaceful and enriching coexistence between people and cultures worldwide. It supports artistic and cultural exchange through exhibitions, dialogue, and conference programs, acting as a center of excellence for international cultural relations. The institute is part of a global network and relies on sustainable, long-term partnerships.
ifa has a longstanding history of engaging with African countries through various programs and initiatives. Its galleries in Stuttgart and Berlin have showcased art, architecture and design from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The institute funds artists’ exhibition projects and awards scholarships, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Under Schwarzer’s leadership, ifa is expected to continue and potentially expand its engagement with African nations, promoting cultural diplomacy and supporting civil society initiatives. Her appointment signals a commitment to strengthening international cultural relations and addressing global challenges through dialogue and collaboration.
Petra Olschowski, Minister for Science, Research and Art of Baden-Württemberg, praised Schwarzer’s appointment:
“Daniela Schwarzer possesses impressive expertise in European and international politics. Her extensive experience in think tanks foundations, and as a scientific policy advisor makes her the ideal choice for the presidency of ifa.”
Fabian Mayer, First Mayor of Stuttgart and Head of the Department for General Administration, Culture, and Law, also welcomed the appointment:
“ifa has shaped Germany’s image in the world and has been a fixture in Stuttgart’s cultural landscape for over 100 years. I look forward to the new impulses Daniela Schwarzer will bring to our city during her presidency.”
Gitte Zschoch, Secretary General of ifa, added:
“As an international cultural institution, we must respond to the challenges posed by the new geopolitical situation and attacks on the understanding of democracy. I am very grateful to the Presidium for making an excellent choice with Daniela Schwarzer as our future president to meet this task.”
Schwarzer’s appointment comes at a time when international cultural relations are increasingly important in fostering mutual understanding and addressing global issues. Her leadership is anticipated to enhance ifa’s role in promoting cultural exchange and supporting democratic values worldwide.
Vivian Asamoah
