Denmark is rolling out a new education-focused strategy aimed at attracting more African students to its universities, similar to its western counterparts, as part of a broader plan to foster stronger continental ties and expand its global influence.
- Denmark plans to attract 230 African students annually for the next eight years as part of a cultural and diplomatic integration strategy.
- The initiative involves a significant investment, allocating 430 million Danish kroner ($61 million) starting in 2024.
- The program aims to build strong partnerships through collaborative research and exchange between Danish and African universities.
According to LocalDenmark, the Nordic country aims to host 230 African students annually for the next eight years, primarily to foster deeper cultural and diplomatic integrations.
As stated by its Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, “It’s clearly in our interest that African countries look towards Europe when considering their future paths. With this new program, we’re not just investing in education, but in relationships that build a vital bridge between Denmark and Africa.”
The program is also expected to strengthen ties between Danish and African universities, promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives.
Meanwhile, some 430 million Danish kroner ($61 million) has been allocated since 2024 to support this initiative, underscoring Denmark’s commitment to its pro-Africa immigration policy and strategy.
This move by Denmark is part of a broader European effort to maintain relevance and influence in Africa, amid growing competition from China and Russia, particularly as the US continues to enforce strict immigration policies targeting African migrants.
According to Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund, “Africa has enormous potential, which we can help unlock through education. By 2050, a third of the world’s youth will live in Africa, and the continent’s geopolitical importance is growing rapidly.”
In return, Denmark also hopes to see more of its own students pursuing studies and exchange programmes in African institutions. “There’s immense potential in Africa. Education is a two-way bridge,” Løkke said
The scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and potentially including travel assistance.
Successful applicants may also be eligible to participate in the EU’s Erasmus+ program, offering additional exchange opportunities.
Denmark’s Africa strategy
Denmark is known for having some of the strictest immigration policies in Europe, with conditions growing increasingly rigid since the 1990s.
While this tough approach has achieved its intended effects, it has also introduced new challenges.
During a visit to Ghana last year, Denmark’s Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen hinted at a shift in immigration policy.
He framed the change as a way to safeguard Denmark’s core interests, noting that Europe is shrinking—not just in population, but also in its share of the global economy.
This perspective is central to the Danish government’s new Africa strategy, unveiled on 26 August 2024. The strategy focuses on deepening ties with African nations through expanded trade, investment, and educational exchanges.
One of its key goals is to attract top talent from Africa to pursue education in Denmark, thereby fostering a network with long-term political and economic benefits for the country.
For many African students, this initiative offers a gateway to high-quality education in Europe, while also fostering stronger partnerships in areas such as science, technology, innovation, governance, and sustainable development between Africa and Denmark.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
