Danish Shipping finds potential for sustainable development in Africa

In particular, Denmark has announced plans to establish new embassies in Tunisia, Senegal, and Rwanda, as well as to enhance its diplomatic presence in other African nations. The organization sees Africa as having immense potential for green energy and economic growth, and it calls for a more concrete approach to financing and trade to harness this potential.

CEO Anne H. Steffensen emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation on renewable energy, which could help Africa become a major exporter of green fuels essential for the shipping industry’s green transition.

Danske Rederier also backs the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to boost investments in critical infrastructure like transport and port facilities around Africa, promoting economic growth and job creation.

The EU’s Global Gateway initiative is a strategic plan launched by the European Union to develop infrastructure and connectivity projects worldwide. It aims to strengthen global partnerships through investments in critical sectors such as digital, energy, transport, health, education, and research. The initiative focuses on promoting sustainable and high-quality infrastructure that supports the green and digital transitions, both within the EU and in partner countries.

However, the organization urges Denmark and the EU to commit more concrete resources to achieve tangible results. Reciprocity in partnerships is also emphasized as crucial, with Steffensen warning against protectionist measures that could hinder collaboration and stressing the need for African partners to engage openly to ensure mutual growth and prosperity.

To remind, last year, during the Green Shipping Conference in Accra, attendees highlighted the fact that Africa has the potential to become a global leader in seafarer training and secure a significant share of the new green jobs emerging as the global shipping industry shifts to low- and zero-carbon fuels.