Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE 22nd Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting opened in Victoria Falls this Thursday, with strong calls to deepen economic cooperation between the two blocs for shared prosperity.
Discussions highlighted a shift in Africa-Nordic relations from traditional aid models to investment-driven partnerships.
It was revealed that Nordic countries have already invested over US$2 billion in Africa, with trade volumes between the regions continuing to grow steadily.
The meeting underscores a growing commitment to building sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships anchored in economic development and innovation.
“We are keen to collaborate with Zimbabwe and the African continent. Partnerships should extend across multiple sectors. Technology, industrial development, clean energy, innovation hubs, and mineral value addition are some of the key areas for cooperation. These collaborations can promote sustainable development, enhance trade, create employment, and deliver mutual benefit,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Norway, Honourable Espen Barth Eide said.
“We want to invest in clean energy. As Norway, we have the technology for mineral value addition, especially in the energy sector. This is one of our areas of expertise, and we are eager to expand our footprint. Norwegian companies are already operating in Zimbabwe,” CEO Norwegian-African Business Association, Ms Solveig Tangen said.
For Zimbabwe, the Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers Meeting is a testament to the success of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement drive.
“The Africa of today is not seeking donations or passive assistance. We seek mutually beneficial partnerships, driven by trade. Africa stands at a critical juncture in its development: a youthful population, rich natural resources, and expanding consumer markets present immense potential. We commend Nordic countries that have launched Africa strategies based on mutual trade interests, investment, renewable energy, and peace and security. We are gratified that our Nordic partners are aligned with our goal of moving away from aid-based partnerships. We look forward to concluding concrete agreements that will increase trade between our regions,” Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira said.
“Two Foreign Ministers from Nordic countries have arrived in Zimbabwe. This high-level presence and Zimbabwe’s hosting of the meeting show that the world is warming up to us again. Some Nordic officials have not visited Zimbabwe in decades. This marks a new chapter, proof that the Second Republic is re-establishing meaningful collaboration with the international community,” Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Nordic and Baltic countries, Ambassador Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga said.
Africa and Nordic partners have a contribution to make in preserving the spirit of multilateralism in a collective search for sustainable solutions to the challenges that plague the modern world.
