Denmark and the EU have set a goal to pay greater attention to African countries’ wishes and priorities. The new strategy, launched on August 26 by Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen, focuses on fostering equal partnerships with African countries.
Africa’s geopolitical relevance and importance in international politics have never been greater, with their populations, economies, and assertiveness rising. According to projections, by 2050, one in every four people will live in Africa, and one in every three of the world’s youth will be African. Given these developments, the EU must intensify its efforts to become the preferred partner of African countries and ensure that it can meet their needs.
Denmark’s new strategy for engagement with African countries includes opening embassies in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda. Furthermore, the Danish Government plans to strengthen diplomatic staff and resources at the embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Due to military coups that have severely limited the scope for action in the Sahel region, the embassies in Burkina Faso and Mali will be closed.
“One of this century’s most important foreign policy questions is whether Africa will orient itself more towards the East or the West. We have a clear interest in the African countries looking towards us in Europe as they chart the course for their future. We must demonstrate that we offer an attractive alternative to the increasing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent. We will do this through increased investment in Africa and increased trade with African businesses, cultivating mutual understanding, and working to ensure that more Africans can come to study in Denmark,” says Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
Denmark’s 60 years of development cooperation with African countries provide a robust foundation for the new strategy. This long-standing relationship is a testament to Denmark’s commitment to Africa. Increasing Denmark’s trade and investment in African countries is a key part of the strategy. Denmark will strengthen the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFD), enabling these funds to offer more support for Danish companies and investments in African countries while contributing to significant economic growth. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark will also reduce its hourly rate for advising Danish companies in Africa.
The government is increasing support for climate adaptation in African countries, including providing over DKK 1 billion in development assistance for new bilateral water initiatives in Africa. These efforts will address the severe impact of global warming, such as increased droughts and flooding, on Africa’s water resources. Additionally, the government will initiate strategies in other areas, including migration, security challenges, and cultural exchange.
“Over the past two years, I have travelled to 12 different African countries and spoken with African partners. They would like even stronger ties with Denmark. Closer political dialogue, more trade, increased investment. They often focus on the green sectors. For example, Denmark is a leader in water technology; Danish expertise in this field is in high demand among our African partner countries, and we would like to bring it into play even more. “Therefore, water is one of the sectors where we are ramping up our engagement, including in our partnerships with public authorities and efforts for increased trade,” says Minister Dan Jørgensen.
