Re-imagining African-Nordic relations in a changing global order

The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs’ new report  “Re-imagining African-Nordic relations in a changing global order” written in collaboration with African and Nordic partners such as Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD), Institute for Peace and Security (IPSS), Marmara University, Nordic Africa Institute, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)  and the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, considers how turbulence in the international system may affect relations between Africa and the Nordic region. In particular, it examines how the special relationship between these two regions may be affected by changes in the global order, and how it may have to adapt to ensure that the relationship evolves and remains relevant for both regions.

Africa’s strategic partnerships with various countries and regions – China, the EU, India, Russia and Turkey – are explored, in order to compare the Africa–Nordic relationship with these others. Contributors examine how these partnerships are structured, the types of initiatives or activities undertaken to sustain them, and how these partnerships have adapted to today’s global order.

Africa and the Nordic countries have long been seen to have a special relationship rising from Nordic support to the liberation efforts of several countries in Southern Africa from colonial and white minority rule which continues to inform the relationship to this day. This is evidenced in common commitments to solidarity and political commitments to self-determination, support for African agency and empowerment through, amongst others, development cooperation. Important relations in areas such as peace mediation, the blue economy, renewable energy and new technologies show the bilateral commitments to contemporary challenges and opportunities.

The report will be launched at a side-event to the 20^th African-Nordic Foreign Ministers Meeting taking place in Helsinki 14^th of June 2022.

The report is commissioned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.