Africa holds enormous potential for both green energy and economic growth. To harness this potential, Denmark and the EU must have an even sharper focus on investments and collaboration, says Danish Shipping – a trade and employers’ organisation for Denmark’s shipping industry.
The Danish government’s new Africa Strategy offers significant opportunities for closer cooperation in trade, sustainable development, and renewable energy.
Therefore, Danish Shipping supports the strategy’s overall objectives and simultaneously calls for a more concrete approach, especially concerning financing and trade.
“Africa has massive potential for renewable energy, which can play a key role in the future of green fuels for shipping. If we are to ensure the green transition, it is crucial that we strengthen cooperation on the development of these energy sources,” says Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.
“If we want to bring Africa closer to us – both geopolitically and economically – we must ensure that African countries also see an improvement in their prosperity. And here, cooperation on green energy has enormous potential, as it can turn more African countries into net exporters of green fuels, which shipping will depend on,” she adds.
Danish Shipping also sees great potential in the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to promote investments in critical infrastructure, including transport and port facilities, as well as the establishment of green corridors along shipping routes around the African continent.
The shipping industry urges Denmark and the EU to support this initiative with more concrete financing plans that can ensure economic growth and create more jobs in both Africa and Europe.
“Global Gateway is a strong framework for investments, but we would like to see both Denmark and the EU commit with more concrete resources so that we can achieve real results. This will not only strengthen Africa’s economy but also create new opportunities for European companies,” notes Anne H. Steffensen.
Danish Shipping also emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in cooperation with African countries.
For Europe to be Africa’s preferred trading partner, it is necessary to avoid protectionist measures that hinder collaboration.
“We can contribute to growth and employment in Africa, but it requires our African partners to avoid protectionist measures such as trade barriers – this would complicate collaboration. Reciprocity must therefore be a central part of our future partnerships,” says Steffensen.
Danish Shipping also stresses that the cooperation should be beneficial to both parties.
“If we want to bring Africa closer to us – both geopolitically and economically – we must ensure that African countries also see an improvement in their prosperity. And here, cooperation on green energy has enormous potential, as it can turn more African countries into net exporters of green fuels, which shipping will depend on,” highlights Steffensen.
