German Energy Neocolonialism in the Sub-Saharan States

Abstract

Energy relations between Germany and Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing a new development in the 21st century, amidst the prolonged energy crisis within the European Union. This development is taking the form of what could be described as energy neocolonialism. The aim of this study is to analyze the main features and characteristics of this emerging phenomenon. The research methodology entails a combination of historical, structural-realist, and quantitative approaches. One of the key findings of the study involves the identification of several challenges within German energy policies in Sub-Saharan Africa that could potentially hinder the ad-vancement of energy neocolonialism. The findings of the study indicate the potential for an indirect depend-ence of Germany, implementing its energy policy, on sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the involvement of many other actors. The article also defines a path for realizing Russian interests in Africa while competing with Ger-many in the market. The article contributes to increasing the factual and methodological basis of scientific and analytical studies of Germany’s external energy policy.