12th African Cultures and Democratic Dialogue
Two Days of Dialogue, Culture and International Cooperation in Brandenburg
Two African ambassadors, three integration commissioners and voices from across Africa and Germany came together to discuss integration, democratic participation, diaspora engagement and international cooperation.
A Space for Dialogue, Participation and Cooperation
The 12th African Cultures and Democratic Dialogue (12ACDD), organised by Cagintua e.V., took place on 8 and 9 October 2026 in Bad Belzig and Potsdam, Brandenburg.
Under the broader themes of migration, integration, democratic participation and international cooperation, the event brought together African ambassadors, public institutions, migrant organisations, refugees, students, development partners and civil society.
Across two days, participants explored the challenges facing migrants and refugees in Germany, the contribution of African diaspora communities to development, and opportunities for stronger cooperation between Africa and Europe.
Day One: Equality, Young Voices and Community Participation
Bad Belzig · Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark
Baum der Gleichheit — A Symbol of Shared Responsibility
Students from Fläming-Gymnasium Bad Belzig, representing the Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage initiative, took part in the programme around the Tree of Equality.
The students later joined a moderated discussion at the Kulturzentrum, sharing their perspectives on equality, democratic participation and integration.
Their involvement underlined the importance of including young people in conversations about racism, inclusion and the future of democratic society.
Public Leadership and Community Participation
Diana González Olivo, Integration Commissioner of the State of Brandenburg, officially opened the conference in Bad Belzig.
Steffi Randig, Integration Commissioner of Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark, represented the Landrat. The Mayor of Bad Belzig, Ing. Dr. Robert Pulz, also joined the event.
The programme continued with theatre, dance, cultural exchange and discussions about belonging, equal opportunities and integration in rural communities.
Young people belong in democratic dialogue
The students' contributions showed why young people need opportunities to share their experiences and take part in shaping inclusive communities. Cagintua e.V. appreciates the cooperation of Fläming-Gymnasium, the accompanying teachers and Gesa, who helped coordinate the students' preparation and participation.
Day Two: Diplomatic Dialogue and Democratic Participation
Haus der Natur · Potsdam
The second day brought together African diplomatic missions, German public institutions, migrant organisations, refugee-support initiatives and international development partners. The conversations connected local integration experiences with wider questions of economic development, migration and cooperation.
Three Levels of Public Administration
The participation of representatives from state, district and city level highlighted the value of cooperation across public administration.
Diana González Olivo
Integration Commissioner of the State of Brandenburg. She attended both days, joining the opening in Bad Belzig and the diplomatic dialogue in Potsdam.
Steffi Randig
Integration Commissioner of Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark, representing the district perspective during the Bad Belzig programme.
Dr. Amanda Palenberg
Integration Commissioner of the City of Potsdam. She represented the Mayor of Potsdam and delivered the welcome address on the second day.
Cooperation Across Levels
Their participation demonstrated the complementary roles of state, district and city institutions in promoting inclusion and democratic participation.
Africa, Migration and Development
Two diplomatic contributions connected the experiences of African diaspora communities in Europe with development priorities and opportunities on the continent.
Stronger Diaspora Investment for Development
H.E. Annonciata Sendazirasa, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Germany, presented Burundi's vision of becoming an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
She highlighted education, entrepreneurship, women's economic empowerment, healthcare, digitalisation and diaspora investment as important development priorities.
Her address encouraged Africans abroad to contribute through investment, skills transfer and institutional cooperation. Discussion also addressed investment security, administrative barriers and the conditions needed to support diaspora engagement.
Economic Development and Migration
H.E. Senator Ita Enang, OFR, Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany, made a substantial contribution to the diplomatic dialogue.
He encouraged participants to consider the wider economic and political factors influencing migration, including instability in parts of Africa and the need to strengthen African economies.
He also highlighted Nigerian investment opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, real estate, banking and industrial development, complementing the discussion on diaspora engagement and international cooperation.
A Gesture of Respect and Cultural Identity
A memorable moment occurred when Obiri Mokini, Chair of Cagintua e.V., greeted the Nigerian Ambassador with a traditional Yoruba prostration, expressing respect for elders and distinguished personalities.
Asked about the gesture by a Refugee Radio reporter, Mokini explained its cultural significance and described it as a cultural gift to the President of Nigeria. The moment illustrated how cultural heritage and contemporary perspectives can be expressed through intercultural dialogue.
Refugee Voices: Employment, Discrimination and Participation
Refugees and migrant communities shared experiences of delays in work authorisation, difficulties accessing employment, discrimination, uncertain residence status and the need for stronger support structures.
Discussions also addressed psychosocial support, education, volunteering and the importance of recognising refugees as active contributors to society.
Recognising the Role of Migrant Organisations
Representatives of migrant organisations called for more meaningful participation in public decision-making.
The Bundesverband Netzwerke von Migrant*innenorganisationen (BV NeMO) presented its manifesto, Wir sind hier zu Hause – stark in schwierigen Zeiten, highlighting the role of migrant organisations in strengthening democracy and social cohesion.
Further contributions explored cooperation with youth initiatives, refugee-support services and public institutions.
Africa Connect: Linking Initiatives Across Continents
The final part of the Potsdam programme connected participants with community development partners in Ghana, Nigeria and Burundi.
The online exchange explored vocational training, women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and practical development cooperation.
Partners shared experiences from tailoring, fashion design and other income-generating activities. A Nigerian partner described training approximately 30 women in tailoring and fashion.
The discussion also highlighted a practical challenge: graduates may complete training but struggle to obtain sewing machines and other equipment needed to start independent businesses.
Training must connect to real economic opportunities
Vocational training is only one step towards sustainable livelihoods. Equipment, access to capital, mentoring and markets can help people turn acquired skills into viable economic opportunities.
Participants also explored connections between African producers and diaspora communities in Europe, including possible cooperation in fashion, skills development and small-scale entrepreneurship. These proposals will require further discussion and practical planning.
Two Days of Encounters and Exchange
What Did We Learn from the 12th ACDD?
The discussions highlighted six lessons that can inform future cooperation and community action.
Integration Requires Cooperation at Every Level
State, district and city institutions have complementary roles in promoting inclusion and democratic participation.
Refugees Need Practical Opportunities
Access to employment, education, volunteering and appropriate support is essential for meaningful integration.
Young People Must Be Involved
The contributions of Fläming-Gymnasium students demonstrated the importance of youth participation in building an inclusive society.
Diaspora Communities Can Contribute to African Development
Investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge exchange and institutional partnerships create opportunities for cooperation.
Vocational Training Should Lead to Sustainable Livelihoods
Equipment, financing and access to markets help turn acquired skills into lasting economic opportunities.
Dialogue Must Lead to Practical Action
The relationships and proposals developed during the conference provide a starting point for continued cooperation.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Possible
Cagintua e.V. extends its sincere appreciation to the Ambassadors of Burundi and Nigeria, the three integration commissioners, the Mayor of Bad Belzig, representatives of public institutions, participating schools, migrant organisations, refugee-support initiatives, cultural performers, volunteers and international development partners.
Special thanks go to the students and teachers of Fläming-Gymnasium Bad Belzig, contributors from Refugee Radio Potsdam and everyone who shared their experiences and perspectives.
We also acknowledge the support of the State of Brandenburg, Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark and the Partnership for Democracy, whose contributions helped make the conference possible.
The Conference Has Ended.
The Conversations Continue.
The relationships established and proposals explored during the two-day gathering create opportunities for continued engagement.
Cagintua e.V. will examine possibilities for follow-up activities with public institutions, African diplomatic missions, migrant organisations and international development partners.
Our objective remains to promote a society in which migrants, refugees and people of different cultural backgrounds are recognised as active contributors to democratic life and community development.
Thank you to everyone who made the 12th ACDD possible.
Together, we continue building bridges between cultures, communities and continents.