Norway

The Africa policies of Nordic countries and the erosion of the Nordic aid model : a comparative study

Upphovsperson:	Odén, Bertil
Utgivare:	Nordiska Afrikainstitutet | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År:	2011
Ämnesord:	Foreign aid, Development aid, Foreign policy, Foreign relations, International cooperation, Aid policy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Africa, Political science, Statsvetenskap

The aid policies of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden – once had so many distinctive characteristics in common they were sometimes referred to as the “Nordic model”. Now, however, this model has all but disappeared. This paper explores how this came about and examines the current development cooperation policies of the Nordic countries in Africa. In this respect, Nordic countries are now moving along divergent trajectories and becoming part of new donor constellations. This paper is based on a content analysis of official documents and face-to-face interviews with policy makers and key opinion shapers in the four countries. In addition to discussing the aim and role of current Nordic Africa policies and strategies, the paper provides an historical overview of Nordic cooperation with Africa and compares the Africa policy documents of the four Nordic countries. Finally, some suggestions regarding the scope for future Nordic cooperation are presented.

The Nordic countries and Africa : old and new relations

Upphovsperson:	Wohlgemuth, Lennart
Utgivare:	Nordiska Afrikainstitutet | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År:	2002
Ämnesord:	Aid policy, Development aid, trade, Africa, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, SOCIAL SCIENCES, SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP

The Institute has asked one representative from each Nordic country to give an account of how their respective countries have dealt with Africa over the years (in some cases even over the centuries) but with an emphasis on the last 50 years. They were also asked to indicate what role Africa has played in the politics, trade, etc. of their countries. The diversity of the invited authors’ backgrounds and fields of specialisation is reflected in their contributions, but the authors have one thing in common: a long experience from, and deep engagement in, Africa’s development.