The Beginnings of Cooperation
In 1960, almost exactly 60 years ago, political developments in Africa accelerated. In January, the efforts of the colonies to gain independence were discussed in international diplomatic circles in the context of the “African Year”. By December 1960, a total of 17 countries had gained independence, most of them former French colonies in West Africa. Decolonization had a major impact on the international community. In October 1960, the President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, said in his speech to the United Nations Assembly: “The tide of African nationalism is sweeping away all that lies before it, challenging the colonial powers for the years of injustice and crimes committed against our continent”. In the 1950s, Africa was not really an economic or political priority for Switzerland. Swiss companies were just beginning to expand their operations on the continent.
New Opportunity for Both Sides
But Bern had to react to the events of 1960. According to Max Petitpierre, former Swiss foreign minister, it was urgent to give diplomatic recognition to the new states. Sacha Zala, head of the Swiss Diplomatic Documents Research Unit (Dodis), explains that until now Switzerland had been able to maintain its relations with the African colonies through chanceries in London, Paris, or Brussels. In 1960, however, Bern had to set up a new series of diplomatic delegations. In addition to technical and diplomatic adjustments, Switzerland’s reaction also reflected specific political and economic interests. Yves Steiner, a member of the Dodis staff, explains that the independence of African states gave Switzerland the opportunity to take part in the new race for Africa.
The presence of diplomatic protection in these regions makes the Swiss economy more attractive commercially, industrially, and financially.
From vision to reality
Today, for example, some 100 Swiss companies have set up shop in South Africa alone, creating some 50,000 jobs. Last year alone, South Africa was Switzerland’s most important trading partner in Africa, with a trade volume of CHF 4.4 billion. South Africa is also seen as a target country for improving Swiss companies’ access to major infrastructure projects in other countries. The business representatives also showed great interest in the business and science missions.
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The programme for economic cooperation and development of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has a strong focus on South Africa. With its strategy for 2021–2024, SECO aims to promote a competitive economy with sustainable growth, foster a robust and resource-efficient private sector, and support the development of an enabling environment for business and investment.
