The Africa Investment Forum took place from 7–9 November 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the German Finance Ministry represented by State Secretary Wolfgang Schmidt. The aim of the forum was to assess the impact and role of the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) in facilitating private sector investment in Africa. A key driver in transforming Africa into a dynamic marketplace, the CwA also boosts inclusive growth.

On 30 October 2018, the heads of state and government of the African countries participating in the Compact with Africa attended a high-level conference hosted in Berlin by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Olaf Scholz, who is advancing the initiative in cooperation with the other G20 finance ministers, welcomed the fact that German businesses are making a stronger commitment to Africa.

The meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors and the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank took place in Bali (Indonesia) from 11–14 October 2018. German finance minister Olaf Scholz was in attendance. The discussions focused on issues such as the mounting risks to global economic growth and the ways in which they can be addressed through joint action.

The global news service Bloomberg commends Olaf Scholz's achievements during his first four months as Finance Minister. Scholz is described as Germany’s most popular politician who provided stability during Chancellor Merkel’s coalition crisis. The article highlights the deputy chancellor’s "pro-European convictions and even-keeled presence", which have delivered key political breakthroughs in recent months.