Trade between Denmark and African countries offers significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. However, increasingly demanding EU sustainability requirements can make it difficult for African producers and businesses to access European markets. To address these challenges, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) launched efforts to strengthen sustainable African value chains, helping companies meet international standards while promoting responsible production, climate action and stronger trade relations between Denmark and Africa.

NCG supported MFA in developing a capacity-building initiative in partnership with Danish Industry and local African business associations, aimed at helping companies strengthen corporate sustainability, manage risks and comply with EU requirements. The assignment involved programme formulation, technical advisory support and quality assurance, including the development of the programme document, theory of change, results framework and risk management arrangements. In parallel, NCG mapped existing initiatives and assessed the potential for new Danish-African business networks to strengthen sustainable trade and investment. Together, these efforts contributed to laying the groundwork for more inclusive and sustainable business partnerships between Denmark and African markets.

From NCG, the assignment was undertaken by Marie-Louise Appelquist, Morten Elkjær, Marianne Jacobsen Toftgaard og Erik Hedegaard Knudsen.