Deep Dive: Africans in Deutschland Networking Event – Hamburg
On Saturday, I had the distinct privilege of representing terratalent alongside our Managing Director, Burkhard Volbracht, at the inaugural Africans in Deutschland Networking Event, hosted in Hamburg. The theme, “Empowering African Communities,” eloquently encapsulated the vibrancy and purpose of the day.
Africans in Deutschland (AID) stands as one of the most prominent and dynamic platforms for Africans residing in Germany, boasting a robust network of over 10,000 members. Established by the visionary Madam Osas Stephine Iroha, AID was conceived to bridge the informational and opportunity chasms that many Africans encounter upon their relocation to Germany. Her compelling keynote address set the tone for the event, as she shared her personal struggles navigating the complexities of the system upon her arrival, and how these experiences galvanized her to create a nurturing platform for others.
A Morning of Inspiration and Learning
The event commenced with a series of keynote presentations centered on health awareness, personal development, and community enhancement. A distinguished cardiologist delivered an illuminating discourse on the prevention of heart disease within African communities in Germany. Subsequently, a representative from TK Insurance, one of the event’s esteemed sponsors, offered pragmatic guidance on managing back pain, facilitating free stroke screenings, and promoting general health awareness. These sessions accentuated the significance of holistic wellness and equitable healthcare access for African immigrants, many of whom frequently overlook their health due to constraints of time or a dearth of information.
Powerful Panel Discussions
One of the most distinguished highlights of the day was a panel discussion that convened influential voices from diverse African communities throughout Germany. The esteemed panellists included:
– A representative from Black in Tech Berlin, Ndimofor Aretas
– Former European Continental Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Professional Network (NIDO), Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi
– The founder of Kenyan Women in Germany, Emmaculate Penschow
– President of the Ugandan Association Berlin, Stephen Bwete
– Vice Chairperson of the Zambian Community in Germany, Jeanny Gloria Tjakaurua
The dialogue centered on the visibility of Black professionals, the significance of community-building, and the myriad social and structural challenges confronting African immigrants—
from restricted access to essential resources to a lack of representation in decision-making arenas. The conversation was candid, forthright, and profoundly empowering. A pivotal takeaway was the necessity for Africans in Germany to adopt a more deliberate approach to participating in community events, policy discussions, and career development opportunities, thereby amplifying their voices and dismantling systemic barriers.
Networking Booth
terratalent was honored to host a booth at the event, engaging directly with professionals, students, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. We disseminated information regarding our vision to bridge the gap between talent and German employers.
Numerous attendees expressed keen interest in acquiring insights on how to better equip themselves for the German job market, and we were pleased to provide guidance and direct support.
Startup Showcase and Innovation Pitches
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the startup pitch competition, featuring five African-led startups based in Berlin, Cologne, Göttingen, and other German cities. These founders pitched impactful ideas across diverse sectors including:
- EdTech: A startup equipping African youth with tech skills through remote learning platforms.
- AgriTech: An innovation tackling post-harvest losses with sustainable food storage systems.
- AI & Localisation: A team building a multilingual AI platform tailored to African languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, and Hausa.
- JobTech: A platform using AI to match African professionals with jobs in Germany.
- Setlinn: A social platform redefining how people migrate, by making the process safer, more transparent, and community-powered.
The EdTech startup won first place, while the AgriTech solution took second, a clear signal that Africa’s future lies in innovation and skills development.
Closing Keynotes
Burkhard Volbracht, our esteemed co-founder at terratalent, delivered a keynote address that reflected upon his two decades of experience in the realm of international talent acquisition, including his significant contributions to the City of Berlin. He elucidated the current dynamics of the German labor market, where the demand for skilled professionals is escalating rapidly, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, logistics, and various skilled trades. Furthermore, he articulated how terratalent is endeavoring to bridge the gap between talent from the African continent and opportunities in Germany through strategic upskilling initiatives, mobility assistance, and collaborations with coding schools and universities.
A pivotal moment during yesterday’s event was marked by the inspiring address of Irene Appiah, the first Black woman elected to the Hamburg-Mitte district council (2019–2024) and, as of March 26, 2025, the first Black woman elected as a member of the Hamburg Parliament (Hamburgische Bürgerschaft) representing the SPD. Born in 1976 in Hamburg to a Ghanaian family, she obtained her law degree from Freie Universität Berlin and Universität Hamburg, and her speech was a profound reminder of the paramount importance of community, delivered with both grace and conviction.
In conclusion, a Nigerian entrepreneur shared his poignant journey from a series of job rejections to the establishment of a private hospital in Germany. His narrative resonated deeply, illustrating that, despite systemic challenges, resilience and unwavering belief can transform aspirations into enduring institutions.
Closing Ceremony and Cultural Celebration
The event closed with powerful remarks from her excellency Dr. C.A. Okorie-Haidara, Minister/Head of Chancery at the Nigerian Embassy Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, who spoke on the importance of diaspora engagement, nation-building, and unity. The atmosphere was celebratory and hopeful. There were cultural performances, traditional dances, spoken word poetry, and inspiring music that brought the entire room to life.
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