The impact of Africa – political partner and global actor

The Minister’s remarks were based on the following points

(check against delivery).

 

 

• Purpose of this meeting. The “Refleks series”. Globalisation. Norway’s foreign policy. New approaches. 
• Last year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its Platform for an Integrated Africa Policy.
• The platform addresses a number of issues – from private investments and trade, climate change, the fight against illicit small arms and cluster munitions, the promotion of democracy and human rights, the role of the UN. Only towards the very end there is a chapter on Norway’s development cooperation with Africa. Development cooperation is no longer the only key element in Norway’s relations with the continent. Now climate change, security, investments, empowerment, etc. are also important. 
• Norway has strong ties with Africa. Traditionally they were based on aid, which has contributed to a better life for many. Development cooperation is still a mainstay of cooperation with Africa, but relations are expanding into new areas.  
• And what we mean by development is broader than before. One example: there will be no development unless there is security. I believe capacity building for African security – including human security for women and children – is an important contribution to development. Norway and its African partners are building capacity for the African Standby Force and training African personnel for peace operations in Darfur, in Somalia and elsewhere. And the people we have trained are now training Norwegian police officers that will serve in UNAMID. That’s how we like capacity building to work. The importance of building capacity. Focus on people.
• Today relations cover a full range of foreign policy issues, from global health threats, climate change, economic crisis, trade and Norwegian investments to role of the UN. Our policies and dialogue must reflect this. African countries and Africans should be partners, not clients.
• We do not believe in “victimising” Africa. Only Africa can solve Africa’s problems, and outsiders can merely assist. Our dialogue should reflect this too. But that takes real African commitment. Only if Africa commits resources, personnel and funds will our joint programmes be sustainable.
• We must not regard Africa as a single entity. It consists of a large number of different countries.
• Norway and Africa have common interests. Conflicts and failing states may lead to large-scale migration and extremism. Peace and security in Africa also have a bearing on our own security.
• The best way to pursue these common interests is through a strong multilateral system. We need to cooperate with Africa to strengthen the UN and other multilateral forums.
• Norway has no colonial past and supported the fight against apartheid. We therefore enjoy goodwill in Africa. But for new generations in Africa this is less important. Political dialogue requires more than historical ties; it must address current and emerging challenges.
• The economic crisis: Africa not to blame, but is hard hit. Pressure on incomes and jobs. May undermine gains in education and health. Threatens to undo recent progress by reducing investment, exports and aid.
• African nations must do their part by continuing to address corruption, reduce obstacles to growth and invest in the social sectors. But international support is crucial.
• However, the crisis could also stimulate innovative thinking and action. An opportunity to rethink old ways.
• Protectionism must be avoided. Not repeat the mistakes of the 1930s. WTO negotiations must be resumed and concluded as soon as possible. Important to maintain an open investment climate.
• Development assistance and other resource flows: we should not polarise the debate. Not aid or trade, not market or state. Rather: how can these elements be optimised together?
• Looking beyond the current crisis. Africa’s prospects are better than ever. The continent abounds in natural and human resources and vast areas of unused cultivable land.
• Domestic revenue is now the most significant source of development financing in Africa. Aid is no longer even Africa's main source of external financing. In 2006 foreign investment overtook aid for the first time. This is encouraging.
• Aid alone can never bring sustainable development. But aid commitments must be honoured.
• Foreign companies must demonstrate social responsibility and have a broader perspective than profits when operating in Africa. High priority for Norway.
• Africa represents less than 2% of world trade. Trade can be an engine of growth and lift millions out of poverty.
• While discussions on aid volumes continue unabated, still remarkably little attention is paid to illicit capital flows, tax evasion and corruption by African politicians. We urge African countries to play an active role in this fight.
• China’s growing engagement means increased investment and more trade. China’s engagement offers economic opportunities, but also political challenges.
• Political development and conflicts: peace, security and well-functioning states are essential for sustainable development. Conflicts and weak governance are the worst enemies of poverty reduction.
• Democracy is a process, not an event. It is a mistake to talk about one African voice. As in Norway, views and interests vary enormously.
• But Africa's democratic gains cannot be taken for granted. Across the continent, democracy remains fragile.
• It is important that the AU maintains a principled position by condemning military coups and other unconstitutional means of taking power. We welcome the shift from the former OAU policy of “non-interference” in internal affairs to the new AU policy of “non-indifference”.
• Gender equality remains high on our agenda, and is very relevant for Africa. Follow-up on UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
• Africa in international forums and processes: Africa's poverty has historically put it at a disadvantage in dealing with global and transnational problems like pandemics, climate change and security threats. Increased geopolitical importance has led to greater self-awareness, which we welcome.
• Norway and African states have a common interest in a strong multilateral system. Both Africa and Norway benefit from a strong UN. However, UN deliberations are often characterised by polarisation between North and South. We need closer cooperation between the AU and the international community. A more multipolar world gives African countries more options in terms of alliances.
• The global economic crisis demonstrates the need for strong international organisations. We welcome the G20’s initiatives. But although the G20 is more representative than the G8, Africa’s voice is still weak. All states must get an opportunity to be heard. Further process must continue in global institutions.
• Institutions like NATO may also have a role to play in supporting conflict resolution in Africa. NATO can add value to the AU in areas like strategic airlift capability and provide valuable expertise in the development of the African Standby Force.
• Climate change: Africa hardest hit, but this is a truly global challenge. The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December will be a major test. Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat to sustainable development. It is a brutal paradox that those who have contributed least to global warming are the ones who stand to suffer most.
• Climate change could have serious security implications: large-scale migration, resource-based conflicts and humanitarian disasters. Climate change may exacerbate development challenges and security threats.
• Norway in engaged in active dialogue and cooperation with African partners through the AU and other bodies on how to support the process of adopting a joint African climate position at the AU summit this summer.

 

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See a recording of the meeting and the Minister’s remarks