Plenary Session

The Nordic-Africa relationship in a New World Order

The Nordic countries have a long history of partnership and cooperation with Africa. Historically driven by a focus on overseas development assistance, this relationship is evolving amid rapid global economic and political shifts that are reshaping the continent’s role in world affairs.

Africa finds itself at the nexus of key trends reshaping the global economic and political landscape, such as climate change, the green transition, and global energy and food security. This is, in turn, spurring  a flurry of interest from an ever more diverse set of international partners - from the Americas, to Europe and Asia - seeking stronger economic and diplomatic ties.

A pronounced aspect of this is a greater emphasis on trade and investment as drivers of economic development, rather than aid.

On the back of this, countries across the Nordic region are reassessing their engagement with Africa. Finland launched a new Africa strategy in 2022, while Norway has just launched its own revamped strategy for the region. Denmark is also in the process of doing so.

This session will explore how the changing realities of partnership with Africa are shaping Nordic policies towards the region. With an emphasis on trade and investment, the discussion will critically examine the challenges and opportunities for engagement with the continent, as well as closer coordination between the Nordic countries to drive mutually beneficial and sustainable economic development.