Ethiopia and Denmark’s bilateral engagement focuses on political dialogue, development cooperation, and humanitarian assistance. Danish development projects in Ethiopia support four main areas: modernization of the agricultural sector through the commercialization of smallholder farmers, promotion of food security and resilience for displaced people and host communities, support for climate-resilient forest livelihoods, and governance and human rights, including free media.
The cooperation also aims to promote women and youth empowerment, gender equality, and the protection of women and girls from violence. This includes ensuring their participation in the development process and enabling them to benefit equally from the outcomes of development. Denmark provides substantial humanitarian support to the millions of Ethiopians affected by conflict and crises. A central element of the cooperation is dialogue on Ethiopia’s developmental and societal trajectory, facilitated through the Development Partners Group (DPG).
Ethiopia and Denmark expressed a desire to further strengthen existing strategic bilateral relations, as well as address regional and continental issues of common interest. High-level government officials from both countries have met to discuss ways to enhance their bilateral and multilateral cooperation across various fields. For example, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen discussed strengthening their relationship at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The two countries co-chaired a one-day meeting on sustainable energy transition, focusing on fostering bilateral cooperation in energy production and climate change prevention. Denmark provides significant technical and financial support to Ethiopia’s energy sector, particularly in wind power generation. Additionally, former Foreign Minister Taye and his Danish counterpart previously discussed the need to bolster the relationship between the two countries, exchanging views on African and international issues.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister expressed a desire to deepen relations with Ethiopia and diversify their longstanding ties across all spheres of cooperation. The Danish government aims to develop a strategy for its relations with Africa, recognizing Ethiopia’s significant role in this regard. Both foreign ministers appreciated each other’s efforts for peace and stability in the region, agreeing to expand collaboration in political and economic spheres.
At that time, Foreign Minister Taye expressed appreciation for Denmark’s support in various sectors, highlighting opportunities for Danish investors to invest in Ethiopia. On November 15, 2024, Ethiopia and Denmark entered into a bilateral agreement to enhance collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable development initiatives. This agreement aims to deepen ties between the two nations and support Ethiopia’s green initiatives.
The Danish Under-Secretary for Development and Foreign Affairs praised Ethiopia’s efforts in renewable energy and committed to assisting in building a climate-resilient green economy. Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement in elevating the relationship between the two countries.
The partnership followed a meeting between Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the COP29 Climate Change Conference, where avenues for furthering bilateral cooperation were discussed.
Former Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen met with Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jorgensen, expressing a desire to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two states. Denmark expressed interest in cooperating with Ethiopia to mitigate climate change.
Ethiopia’s commitment to a carbon-free planet, demonstrated through practical efforts like the National Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 40 billion seedlings in Ethiopia in recent years, was acknowledged by Minister Dan Jorgensen, who expressed Denmark’s readiness to support the initiative.
The above provides insight into the bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries. During the brief stay with Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, Sune Krogstrup, The Ethiopian Herald raised various issues that demonstrate progress in diplomatic ties.
Please provide information on the progress and cooperation in bilateral relations between the Ethiopian and Danish governments?
Cooperation between Ethiopia and Denmark has steadily grown over the years. Denmark has been a loyal supporter of many important economic sectors in Ethiopia and aims to continue and strengthen this partnership. Initiatives to support sectors such as agriculture, electrification, and social safety nets are underway, with a new country program in the works.
Later this year, we plan to expand our partnership and increase trade and investment between Ethiopia and Denmark. Encouraging more Danish investments and involvement in Ethiopia is a crucial part of our long-term vision.
As the Ambassador of Denmark, I have worked to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the sectors we support. Political partnership is also vital as we address global issues together. We are excited to see the partnership between the Ethiopian and Danish governments grow, with a focus on expanding trade and investment.
As you mentioned earlier, your investors are involved in various sectors in Ethiopia. How do you perceive their engagement? How do you assess their progress?
Currently, we do not have many Danish companies participating. I view this as an opportunity to attract more companies. We aim to promote the opportunities in Ethiopia within Denmark. We are hopeful that the ongoing reforms initiated by the Ethiopian government will enhance the business environment and attract international investors, including those from Denmark.
What potential areas of cooperation do you foresee between the two countries?
There are numerous potential areas of cooperation, with trade and investment being key among them. I would also like to highlight our strong partnership with the Ethiopian government on the global green agenda. Ethiopia serves as a global leader in green initiatives, setting an example for other nations in transitioning to a greener economy.
Denmark shares a similar commitment to sustainability, making for a promising international partnership. We look forward to further developing this partnership with the Ethiopian government.
Can you provide some insight on the event launching Lego in Ethiopia?
The launch of Lego in Ethiopia is a significant project that has the potential to enhance creativity and influence future skilled human products.
How can we ensure that this project will come to fruition?
Danish children are familiar with Lego, having grown up playing with it throughout their childhoods. Lego is a globally renowned Danish brand that encourages creativity, innovation, and learning.
I am thrilled to see a well-established and beloved Danish brand like Lego expanding its presence in Ethiopia. This demonstrates the growing partnership between our two countries.
The Danish presence in Ethiopia is expanding, with Lego leading the way this time. It is promising to see Lego establishing itself in Addis Ababa. It is always encouraging to see Danish companies investing in Ethiopia.
How did Danish companies or Danish investors view this?
First and foremost, it is encouraging to see that the government has implemented reforms that will open up the economy to foreign investors. This is something that we, as the Danish government, welcome. It is also in the interest of Danish investors and companies looking to invest on this continent.
As the embassy of Denmark, we have a responsibility to ensure that Danish companies and investors are aware of the opportunities available in Ethiopia. This is a crucial task that lies ahead of us. I am confident and optimistic that the reforms initiated by the government will attract many foreign companies to invest here in Ethiopia.
Do you have any plans to establish a Lego store soon? At the moment, I do not have any further plans in that regard. I am pleased to see the Lego store opening today, and I am honored to be a part of this important event. It serves as inspiration for other companies and investors, demonstrating what are possible.
Could you provide some insight into the assistance that the Danish government has provided to Ethiopian society and government?
Denmark has been supporting Ethiopia through a country program for many years, focusing on sectors such as agriculture and social safety nets. We are currently in the process of preparing a new country program that will soon be launched, continuing our support in these sectors. We maintain a strong Danish presence here with substantial financial support, which I am very enthusiastic about.
Thank you
It is my pleasure.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 27 MAY 2025
