The AFRIKA KOMMT! programme is implemented by the GIZ AFRIKA KOMMT! team.
I started my professional career in West Africa and still feel closely connected to the continent and its people. Discovering diversity and exchanging thoughts and ideas, mutual learning and empowering people to develop capacities drives my passion for AFRIKA KOMMT!
When not working I like to let my thoughts wander while working with my hands, either gardening or upcycling pieces of furniture, or while going on long walks. I also enjoy talking with friends over a good glass of wine especially after a movie, a theatre performance or an art exhibition.
‘Africa is rising’ for me goes beyond being just a maxim or popular rhetoric – I have seen it, I have lived it and I am IT. This is why I am passionate about raising up young African change makers through AFRIKA KOMMT!
When not at work, you will likely find me on my bike cycling to an unknown destination or with a backpack, on a train or plane, on the way to exploring a distant new land!
The concept of AFRIKA KOMMT! has deeply impressed me from the very first moment. Now that I am part of it, I will do all I can to maximize the positive impact that the fellows have on their home countries and on the relationship between Germany and the African continent.
I spend all my free time with my little family, discovering the nature around Bonn on our bikes and live the small adventures. Apart from that, my passion is meeting people from all over the world and learn from their perspective.
Every year when AFRIKA KOMMT! starts I am really looking forward to the new candidates.
Getting to know people and connecting them with each other excites me – and the great feeling when ideas, courage and change come out of that. That’s also where my joy in communication and networking comes from. Especially here at AFRIKA KOMMT!
Apart from that, you can always engage me in a conversation over a glass of milk: Whether about Canada, about projects for old and young people or my next trip with my camper.
Susann Tischendorf
I am an International Development Professional passionate about creating positive change. Before joining AFRIKA KOMMT!, I worked for the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund and GIZ in the area of sustainable private sector development, among others in several African countries.
In my free time you can find me exploring my new surrounding in Düsseldorf with my little dog Easy and photo camera, running near the water, or simply having joyful conversations with family and friends from near and far – often while drinking a good hot chocolate.