AWF Honors the Legacy of German President Emeritus Prof.Horst Köhler

The African Wildlife Foundation joins many across the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader and a steadfast ally of Africa. German President Emeritus Prof. Horst Köhler passed away in early February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the continent’s future. His vision for Africa—one rooted in genuine partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility—continues to inspire us. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership.

President Köhler was not only an influential statesman but also a true believer in Africa’s role in shaping global solutions. He understood that the challenges of our time— climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development — could not be addressed without Africa at the table. His conviction that conservation and economic development must go hand in hand mirrored AWF’s mission and the work we do across the continent. His leadership on the Partnership with Africa initiative during his tenure as Germany’s President (2004–2010) fundamentally reshaped how Africa and Europe engage, shifting the focus from aid to cooperation, and from dependency to partnership.

AWF had the privilege of engaging with him on multiple occasions, and his passion for Africa was unmistakable. AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya recalls one of his last conversations with President Köhler:

"He spoke with such clarity and urgency about Africa’s responsibility to lead on global challenges, especially climate change. He was firm in his belief that Africa’s rich natural heritage is not just a conservation priority but a global asset that must be protected for the future of humanity. He challenged us, as Africans, to take ownership of our resources, to drive solutions, and to ensure that Africa was shaping its own narrative on conservation and development. He saw Africa as a leader, not a follower."

President Köhler was a staunch supporter of Africa’s youth and believed they held the key to the continent’s future. He was also a great advocate for practical, action-driven cooperation between Africa and Europe. One of the last initiatives he championed was the Africa Forum Berlin, which AWF co-organized with the German Africa Foundation in September 2024. His vision for this platform was clear: to foster honest, solution-oriented discussions on Africa’s leadership in conservation, climate, and sustainable economic growth. His presence and influence were deeply felt throughout the forum’s discussions, and his legacy will continue to shape its future impact.

At AWF, we honor Horst Köhler not just as a former head of state but as a leader whose work transcended politics. His belief in Africa’s potential, his advocacy for true partnerships, and his unwavering support for conservation as a pillar of development will continue to guide us.

As we reflect on his life, we remain committed to carrying forward the values he championed. May his family find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on, not just in policies and initiatives, but in the continued progress of the Africa he so deeply believed in.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.