Talking about the Nordic's new Africa strategies — distinct but not incompatible

In this science-to-policy conversation, Jesper Bjarnesen, senior researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute, takes us through the common features in the Nordic countries’ Africa strategies — but also points out distinctions that each country put extra emphasis on.

• Denmark has a focus on migration governance, and investing in peace building with the assumption that conflicts lead to more migration.
• Norway has a strong emphasis on green solutions and innovations that can push the green energy transition.
• Finland is very committed to trade, and actually pledges to double its trade with Africa.

The common features include values of democratisation, good governance, gender equality and a strong belief in the multilateral system. Bjarnesen argues that the Nordic countries could help strengthen Africa’s voice in the UN security council.

This science-to-policy conversation is based on the recently published policy note, co-authored by NAI researchers Jesper Bjarnesen, Diana Højlund Madsen, Liisa Laakso, Patience Mususa and Angela Muvumba Sellström.