Document Abstract
Published:
2008
Platform for an integrated Africa policy
How Norway is engaged in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in Africa
Although Norway’s relations with sub-Saharan Africa have traditionally been linked to development assistance and missionary work, its cooperation is continually being expanded into other areas. And while the geographical focus of Norway’s engagement in Africa has traditionally been on southern and east Africa, it is now extending its efforts to parts of central and west Africa. In this sense, the aim of this report is to give a general idea about Norwegian cooperation with Africa in the various policy areas, and to provide a basis for devising and implementing concrete measures.
The report highlights that Norway is giving high priority to the issue that international companies should demonstrate corporate social responsibility, as a part of its cooperation with African countries. In addition, the report shows that Norway is contributing to infrastructure development by sharing knowledge in sectors where it has expertise and long experience. This applies, for example, to power supplies, water resource management and the construction of roads and ports.
Furthermore, Norway is engaged in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in Africa by participating in and supporting African peace processes and political dialogue. In this context, Norway provides support for peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN and the AU. Moreover, Norway participates in a number of international organisations, forums and processes that bring it into close contact with African countries.
The report finds that Norway's relations with Africa currently cover the full range of Norway’s foreign policy issues, although development cooperation is still a mainstay of its political cooperation with Africa. Additionally, both through bilateral dialogue and through multilateral efforts, the report notes that Norway is seeking to ensure that Africa finds its rightful place in this globalised world.
The report highlights that Norway is giving high priority to the issue that international companies should demonstrate corporate social responsibility, as a part of its cooperation with African countries. In addition, the report shows that Norway is contributing to infrastructure development by sharing knowledge in sectors where it has expertise and long experience. This applies, for example, to power supplies, water resource management and the construction of roads and ports.
Furthermore, Norway is engaged in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in Africa by participating in and supporting African peace processes and political dialogue. In this context, Norway provides support for peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN and the AU. Moreover, Norway participates in a number of international organisations, forums and processes that bring it into close contact with African countries.
The report finds that Norway's relations with Africa currently cover the full range of Norway’s foreign policy issues, although development cooperation is still a mainstay of its political cooperation with Africa. Additionally, both through bilateral dialogue and through multilateral efforts, the report notes that Norway is seeking to ensure that Africa finds its rightful place in this globalised world.
