Berlin – The German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein) announces a planned change in its executive leadership. Effective 1 April 2026, the association will undergo a transition at the top in order to strategically position itself in response to evolving economic, geopolitical, and market conditions in African business.

After 14 years of successful service, the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christoph Kannengießer, will step down from his role in its current form. The Presidium of the AV expressly thanks him for his outstanding commitment, strategic foresight, and defining leadership, through which he has developed the AV into a central platform for German-African economic relations.

Under his leadership, the association has strengthened its influence in politics and business, expanded its media presence, and established itself as a reliable partner for companies, institutions, and governments. His work has sustainably reinforced the AV’s position in an increasingly complex market environment.

Mrs. Claudia Voß, currently Deputy CEO of the AV, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer as of 1 April 2026. She brings extensive experience in African markets and within the association landscape and represents a forward-looking development of the AV, aligned with evolving expectations of member companies, new investment models, and the growing economic dynamism of African markets.

To ensure continuity and effective knowledge transfer, Mr. Kannengießer will remain available to the association during a transition period and will actively support the leadership handover. This will ensure that ongoing initiatives continue seamlessly and that strategic partnerships are further maintained.

The Presidium views this leadership transition as a deliberate and forward-looking step to further develop the association both structurally and strategically. The dynamism of African markets, new investment models, increasing industrialization, and changing expectations of member companies require an adaptation of structures, competencies, and strategic priorities.

Further information regarding the future organizational setup and the succession in the executive leadership will be announced by the AV in due course.

The Presidium of the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein)