Denmark has launched a new initiative to strengthen cooperation with African nations, kicking things off with a partnership focused on education and green energy in Sierra Leone.

The agreement, signed on March 11th, will see Denmark provide financial support for two key projects in Sierra Leone.

DKK 15 million (around 48 million Leone) will be directed towards improving early childhood education access. This initiative, channeled through the Education Outcome Fund with additional contributions from the EU and the LEGO Foundation, aims to address the low preschool enrollment rate (only 25% of children aged 3-5 attend).

DKK 20 million (around 64.5 million Leone) will be allocated to support the “Transformational Energy Access” project. This EU-backed program focuses on establishing mini-grids powered by renewable energy sources, offering a more stable and sustainable electricity supply to Sierra Leonean communities.
A New Era of Partnership

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The Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jørgensen said:

“The Government wants to strengthen Denmark’s alliances in Africa. Military coups, terrorist organisations and the Wagner Group are unfortunately what many Danes associate with several countries in West Africa. Fortunately, this is far from the whole story.

“Denmark has good experience of cooperating with West African coastal states, and Sierra Leone is interested in cooperating on educating their population and ensuring the green transition. We know Sierra Leone from our co-operation on the climate agenda and we hope to serve with this country on the UN Security Council in 2025. It is a new partner country, and we are starting with a smaller effort – but it symbolises a different and broader Danish engagement in Africa.”

Chief Minister David Sengeh said: “Denmark’s desire for strengthened equal partnerships with African countries is the picture of a new era for Africa. Sierra Leone has a huge appetite for green solutions, renewable energy and the education of our children and youth. We have a difficult past, but we will create our own future. Countries that support this vision are preferred partners.”

This agreement serves as a stepping stone for Denmark’s broader strategy to strengthen engagement with Africa, which will be unveiled later this year. Denmark’s partnership with Sierra Leone represents a commitment to supporting education, clean energy solutions, and a brighter future for the African nation.