Investment, security, and a new world order: Nordics move beyond aid to redefine ties with Africa

News May 13, 2024 / By: Bjørn H Amland

At a recent meeting of African and Nordic foreign ministers in Copenhagen, top diplomats discussed how to redefine their relationship. The focus is turning to business and common political interests, amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine that threaten to upend the global order. Tanzania’s Foreign Minister January Makamba reminded the Nordics that their historic support for African liberation is their “trust card” in the region.

Nordic african meeting cropped.jpg — Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen hosted the Nordic-African foreign ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen earlier this month, attended by ministers from all five Nordic and 18 African countries. (Photo: Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)