The German Information Centre Africa (GIC Africa) announced the launch of its new social media Twitter channel, @GICAfrica, last month.

As of March 28, the virtual information centre further amplified its reach, making the comprehensive coverage of German activities and commitment to Africa available to Twitter followers worldwide.

Taking the lead from the GIC Africa website and its successful Facebook page, the GIC can ensure that up-to-date, relevant and topical information covering Germany’s partnership with Africa is currently available on one of the world’s largest social media platforms.

Information – from current affairs, German culture, innovation, education and development to all other avenues where Germany and Africa intersect – is now available at @GICAfrica.

With the launch, IC Africa has expanded its Web presence, taking into account the high cellphone penetration rate in Africa. This preferred method of accessing the Internet on the continent means that GIC Africa followers can stay current on the centre’s information and activities more easily, using a quicker method.

GIC Africa is one of nine virtual centres based in key regions worldwide. The GICs were developed to support the work of the German embassies in specific target areas and highlight the activities of German intermediary
organisations and partners in cultural relations, education policy, develop- ment cooperation and business in their respec- tive regions.

The website, www.GICAfrica.diplo.de, was established in September 2008. The Facebook page was launched in 2009, which currently reaches nearly 30 000 fans worldwide.

Other GICs are located in Beijing, Brasilia, Cairo, Mexico City, Moscow, New Delhi, Paris and Washington.

GIC Africa strives to provide not only infor-mation about the latest partnerships between Africa and Germany, but also an overview of German foreign policy as it pertains to the specific regions and the world.

GIC Africa followers who enjoy receiving this type of information about Germany and Africa can now look forward to increased access using Twitter, Facebook and the Internet to stay abreast of GIC Africa developments.