Africa – a continent on the move
Political, economic and demographic development of African countries has enabled them to take on a more prominent role in the international arena. African countries appreciate that broader international cooperation with a variety of partner countries enhances opportunities to advance African interests. In many cases, Norway’s well-established relations with African countries have their origin in Norwegian support for liberation struggles, long-term development cooperation, humanitarian activities and peace and reconciliation efforts. Many Norwegians still associate the African continent mainly with vulnerable states, conflict, poverty and natural disasters. While this may be the case in parts of the continent, many states are experiencing economic growth and progress. African countries are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy and international politics. In order to safeguard its future interests and relationships vis-á-vis Africa, Norway needs to strengthen and adapt its relations to the changes that are taking place. This requires clarity around Norway’s interests and the potential benefits of cooperation. It also means that Norway and African countries need an accurate understanding of one another’s analyses, points of view and priorities.
Today, Norway’s relations with many African countries span a wide array of areas. These range from security, multilateral issues, and finding solutions to global challenges such as environmental degradation and climate change, health crises and future food security, to promoting economic cooperation with a focus on the business sector, investments, technology and knowledge exchange. The Government has therefore drawn up this new, comprehensive strategy for Norwegian engagement with African countries. The aim is to strengthen political and economic cooperation through broad-based involvement and partnerships based on equality, mutual interests, knowledge and understanding.
Foreign policy and development policy are closely intertwined. To reflect this, the various chapters of this strategy focus on overall thematic areas and take an integrated approach in addressing foreign and development policy.
Development trends
Africa is undergoing rapid change. It is a vast continent of more than 50 countries with widely differing development trends. The continent is rich in opportunities, but it is also contending with long-term challenges that must be resolved if the countries and peoples of Africa are to realise their full development potential.
Europe’s neighbouring continent to the south has substantial natural resources on land and at sea. Its economies and markets are growing. Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. Urbanisation is widespread and rapid.
African technology and knowledge communities are also expanding, and many countries in Africa are progressive in the application of new technologies.
Emerging economies in Africa have the potential to realise major transformational benefits in the decades ahead. Nevertheless, there is also a danger that poverty will rise and inequality increase, as well as considerable uncertainty about future economic and social progress.
African countries are rightfully playing a greater role in international politics and constitute a significant voting bloc in the UN General Assembly. Competition to win support from the continent has intensified.
Democracy enjoys broad popular support in African countries, but faces challenges and is under pressure in many places. Continued efforts to promote respect for women’s rights and gender equality are essential to safeguard democracy, human rights and development.
Armed conflict, violent extremism and humanitarian crises are a reality in several African countries. Weak governance, inequitable resource distribution and corruption are all part of the picture. Millions of people are facing a vulnerable situation. That African countries and regions are among the areas most severely affected by environmental degradation and climate change further compounds the situation.
Poverty, conflict and climate change are also contributing to a rise in African migration. Europe and the Middle East receive large numbers of refugees and migrants. The main flows, however, are within and between African countries and from rural to urban areas.
Partnership, dialogue and cooperation
Norway has strong, well-established relations with a variety of African countries and organisations. The number and range of contacts between Norwegian and African actors are increasing, and the scope of engagement is expanding and taking new forms.
Norway and countries in Africa often have similar interests in international forums and need to stand together to find solutions to global challenges such as those relating to climate change and the environment, food insecurity and inequality.
International political issues are increasingly in focus in our dialogue. Trade, investment, business collaboration, research and knowledge exchange are becoming more prominent in our cooperation. Development assistance and humanitarian efforts are an integral part of Norway’s relations with many countries. In 2023, 17 % of Norwegian development assistance, amounting to NOK 10.2 billion, was earmarked for Africa. The five largest recipients of Norwegian aid in 2023 were Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia and South Sudan. Additionally, a large proportion of the support provided to the African continent is channelled through UN organisations, development banks and funds.
Contact with civil society organisations is a key component of our mutual relations. An active civil society is vital to promote social development and hold public authorities and private enterprises accountable. Norway will attach greater priority to support for, and engagement with, local civil society partners in its efforts moving forward.
The younger segments of the population have a pivotal role to play in how their countries and local communities develop, and will form the basis for future relations. Young people must therefore be explicitly included in Norwegian relationship-building with African countries. Efforts targeting young people must emphasise education and jobs.
Various African diaspora groups and diaspora organisations have insights into and an understanding of ongoing developments in Africa and Norway that make them important as dialogue partners for Norway. Financial transfers from Norwegian and international diasporas exceed the total development assistance to African countries and help to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
There are significant variations between and within the countries in which Norway is represented or involved, which will influence the type of cooperation pursued and set limits for Norwegian engagement. The development trends determining the nature of our cooperation moving forward will vary depending on the region, country, context and relationships.
Norwegian policy highlights the importance of locally led development, dialogue, long-term frameworks, predictability and adequate understanding of the context. Development cooperation is intended to enhance use of resources and lead to lasting social change. This will continue to guide efforts to strengthen and further develop relations with African countries and organisations.