Angela Merkel welcomes African Union commission chief Alpha Conde at the summit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for more investment in Africa, saying economic growth was vital to tackle the poverty that led to mass migration to Europe, AFP news agency reports.

She was speaking at a conference with 10 African leaders in Berlin held as part of Germany's presidency of the Group of 20 big economies.

AFP quoted Ms Merkel as saying:

If there is hopelessness in Africa, then its young people will of course say they will seek a new life elsewhere in the world.

If we work together with them for their countries, then we also create more security for ourselves."