The Africa-Nordic Business Forum opened in Victoria Falls yesterday with a strong call for partnerships to drive sustainable prosperity.
The event ran on the sidelines of the Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira said collaboration, innovation and people’s well-being must guide Africa-Nordic relations.
“We gather here not merely to exchange views but to forge actionable pathways for collaboration that will strengthen the bonds between our two regions.”
The theme of the forum was “Sustainable Prosperity Through Partnerships: Integrating Ecosystems and De-risking Business for Accelerated Growth.”
Murwira said this reflects Africa’s ambitions for industrialisation, digital transformation and green growth, as well as Nordic leadership in innovation and sustainability.
He added that the discussions focused on connecting industries and supply chains, reducing business risks through reforms and investment guarantees, and empowering entrepreneurs and innovators for inclusive growth.
Murwira said trade between Africa and Nordic countries has grown strongly over the last five years.
African exports to the Nordic region rose from US$2.3 billion in 2020 to US$4.5 billion in 2022, before easing slightly to US$4.2 billion in 2024.
This was an overall growth of 84 percent. Imports from the Nordics increased from US$13.7 billion in 2020 to US$25.2 billion in 2024.
Related Stories
He said minerals, agriculture, fuels, apparel and manufactured goods continue to drive African exports, while Nordic countries bring expertise in advanced technologies and sustainability.
“Together, Africa and the Nordics have a unique opportunity to align their strengths in both traditional and emerging sectors,” said Murwira.
The minister reminded delegates that Africa’s development journey is about improving lives.
“We engage in business. We engage for human well-being. We engage for production,” he said.
He also spoke of the strong history between Africa and Nordic countries, saying their support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle showed lasting friendship.
“We believe that this partnership is resilient and will continue being resilient as long as there is mutual respect and common goals for human well-being,” said Murwira.
African and Nordic Foreign Ministers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, along with private sector leaders, startups, SMEs and development partners.
Murwira said this mix was important in producing not only policy recommendations but also concrete investment opportunities.
The outcomes of the forum later fed into the Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, helping to shape future trade and investment strategies.
Leave Comments