Denmark is one of only a handful of countries in the world that meets the United Nation’s target of granting 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) to international development assistance. The overall development policy of Denmark aims to fight poverty through the promotion of human rights and economic growth. DANIDA is the brand used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark which is responsible for the planning, implementation and quality assurance of Denmark’s development assistance. Let’s take a look at DANIDA’s top country programs to better understand Denmark’s priorities and policies in the development sector.
Somalia Country Program 2018-2023
Denmark is a committed partner to Somalia on its journey towards stability, peace and state establishment. The country policy paper for Somalia is set to implement the `Danish government’s Foreign and Security Policy`. It also contributes to Somalia’s achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For these priorities, DANIDA has set three thematic programs: strengthened regional conflict management capacity and efforts of the actors engaged in promoting stabilization and security in Somalia; reduced levels of violent extremism in the Horn of Africa with a particular focus on Somalia; and improved capacity to exercise regional and governmental authority across land and maritime borders. The budget for this country program is around DKK 900 million (EUR 120 million).
Ethiopia Country Program 2018-2022
Ethiopia plays a stabilizing role in a volatile region characterized by armed conflicts, a rapidly growing refugee population and radicalization. The objective of the country program is to contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth and improved governance in Ethiopia by supporting the vision of building a Climate Resilient Green Economy and reaching lower-middle-income status by 2025. The Country Program consists of four thematic programs: agricultural commercialization clusters; coherence between humanitarian responses and development cooperation; climate-resilient forest livelihoods; and governance and human rights. The budget for this country program is around DKK 900 million (EUR 120 million).
Uganda Country Program 2018-2022
With Uganda being a poor but stable country situated in an increasingly unstable region, and being the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, Denmark has a clear interest in a continued Danish-Ugandan partnership. It is a prerequisite for maintaining Uganda’s role as an anchor of stability in the region. The overall aim of the Uganda Country Program is to contribute to the continued development of a stable and democratic Uganda. For this, three strategic objectives will be pursued: reducing poverty; promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights; and supporting Uganda’s stabilizing role in the region. Denmark will focus on two thematic programs in particular: the Uganda Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Development of the Economy – UPSIDE – and the Uganda Programme for Governance, Rights, Accountability and Democracy – UPGRADE. For the period 2018-2022, Denmark has earmarked a budget of DKK 945 million (EUR 127 million) for Uganda.
Mali Country Program 2016-2021
Denmark’s engagement in Mali dates back to 2006 when Mali became a priority country for Danish long-term development assistance. Denmark’s relationship with Mali is guided by a country policy adopted in February 2016. The country policy states that the overall vision of Denmark’s partnership with Mali is peace, an inclusive and legitimate state, reduced poverty and strengthened human rights. On this basis, the country policy defines three strategic objectives: peaceful co-existence, stability and security; democratic and inclusive governance; and inclusive and sustainable growth. These development activities are envisaged as part of the country program within a budget of DKK 975 million (EUR 130 million).
Kenya Country Program 2016-2020
Denmark and Kenya have been close development partners since Kenya became independent in 1963. The 2016-2020 country program for Kenya has a total budget of DKK 970.5 million (EUR 130 million). These funds are distributed across three thematic programs. The objective of the Thematic Program on Governance is to implement the Constitution and consolidate an accountable, inclusive and participatory democracy based on increased stability. The goal of the Thematic Program on Green Growth and Employment is to create an inclusive greener growth with higher employment. The objective of the Thematic Program on Health is to provide equitable access to quality health care in the newly devolved system.
Find out more about DANIDA here.
