Denmark is significantly expanding its diplomatic network in Africa with the opening of new embassies in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda. The Danish government, represented by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen, presented a comprehensive Africa strategy on Monday, titled “The Century of Africa.” This strategy includes both the establishment of new diplomatic missions and upgrades to existing embassies in various African countries.
Senegal and Tunisia will receive entirely new Danish embassies, while a project office in Rwanda will be upgraded to a full embassy. Additionally, the existing embassies in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria will be enhanced to serve as regional hubs. These hubs will not only focus on the host country but also monitor and promote development in their respective regions. This expansion means that 10 additional Danish diplomats will be stationed in Africa by 2026.
However, the strategy also involves the closure of the embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso due to increased unrest and military coups in the Sahel region. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Udenrigsministeriet), this has limited Denmark’s ability to collaborate effectively in these areas.
The ministers emphasize in the introduction of the strategy that it is essential to adapt to the expectations of African countries for a more equitable partnership rather than unilateral aid. The government aims to facilitate Danish businesses’ investments in the African continent and promote exchanges between young people from Africa and Denmark.
As part of the strategy, a regional innovation center will also be established in Kenya—the first of its kind for Denmark in Africa. This center will promote innovation and development and further strengthen cooperation between Denmark and African countries. The government hopes that this new strategy will enhance Denmark’s engagement in Africa and open up new opportunities for both Danish and African stakeholders.