The Danish Embassy recently convened partners at the Ambassador’s Residence to explore Denmark’s newly developed strategy for strengthened engagement with African nations.
Ambassador Signe Winding Albjerg led the discussion, emphasizing the importance of listening, partnership, and mutual understanding. “In the true spirit of the strategy, we listened a lot, agreed on a lot, and agreed to disagree on the rest,” said Albjerg.
The strategy, which calls for a repositioning of African engagement, was welcomed by partners such as Moses Isooba from the Uganda National NGO Forum, who highlighted Denmark’s recognition of Africa’s potential, dubbing it “Africa’s century.”
He added that it unlocks new opportunities for engagement, while recognizing Africa’s agency on the global stage.
Alvin Mutebi from the embassy’s Youth Sounding Board praised the strategy for its inclusion of youth, stating, “I see the voice of young people in this. I see the strategy as a win-win.” He stressed that youth participation is vital in shaping partnerships for the future.
Mona Maguma-Ssebuliba of aBi Finance noted the focus on innovation and investments, saying, “The focus on innovation and investments speak to the hearts and minds of the youth.”
The emphasis on these areas, she added, resonates strongly with Uganda’s growing entrepreneurial landscape.
Anders Bastholm Hansen from DanChurchAid underscored the importance of maintaining curiosity and mutual respect in the Denmark-Uganda relationship.
“Uganda and Denmark have a long-standing relationship, making it important not to take each other for granted. We need to still be curious about each other… and acknowledge that it is okay to agree to disagree at times.”
The dialogue emphasized a shared vision between Denmark and its Ugandan partners, reflecting the broader themes of inclusion, innovation, and long-term collaboration outlined in Denmark’s new strategy.
