During a reception in Dar es Salaam on June 5, Denmark’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard, formally reaffirmed Denmark’s steadfast commitment to long-term cooperation with Tanzania. The event commemorated the 176th anniversary of Denmark’s Constitutional Act, symbolizing Denmark’s return to proactive engagement following the temporary closure of its embassy in 2021.
Held at the Ambassador’s residence, the reception drew attendance from key government figures, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, development partners, and media representatives. Ambassador Kammersgaard emphasized that Denmark’s renewed presence reflects a strategic shift toward deepening its partnerships across Africa, with Tanzania at the forefront.
“Today we mark that Denmark is back in business in Tanzania,” Kammersgaard remarked. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong, trusted partnerships in uncertain global times, reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared development objectives. This marks a new chapter in Denmark’s six-decade history of development cooperation with Tanzania .
The Danish embassy had previously closed in 2021, reflecting broader cost-cutting efforts. However, the June 5 reception underlines a reversal of that decision, signalling Denmark’s intent to maintain a physical and diplomatic presence in Tanzania. This reversal aligns with broader foreign policy adjustments by Copenhagen, including renewed investment and diplomatic outreach in Africa.
Ambassador Kammersgaard, who served in Tanzania as a diplomat 15 years ago, pointed to visible improvements in Tanzanian society—including a growing middle class and strengthened agriculture and trade sectors. He highlighted that Danish investments have totalled around US $5 billion over the past sixty years, underlining Denmark’s sustained role as a key development partner .
Foreign Affairs Minister Kombo expressed gratitude during the reception, describing Denmark as a trusted and enduring ally. He praised DANIDA—Denmark’s International Development Agency—for backing many of Tanzania’s national priorities. Reflecting the mutual benefits of cooperation, Minister Kombo emphasised DANIDA’s role in driving progress within health, education, agriculture, and trade sectors, solidifying Denmark’s reputation as Tanzania’s earliest development partner .
Denmark’s renewed commitment occurs under its broader “Africa’s Century” policy, which seeks to transform Denmark’s Africa engagement by emphasizing trade, investment, and people-to-people connections over traditional aid models. Tanzania is identified as a strategic partner within this framework, with Denmark aiming to elevate the relationship from development aid to mutual economic collaboration .
During the event, Ambassador Kammersgaard highlighted Tanzania’s increasing modernization across key economic sectors and the value of Danish expertise in supporting sustainable development. DANIDA has historically played a critical role in backing Tanzania’s institutional capacity, with impacts evident in agriculture, trade, education, and health systems .
The renewed partnership also serves broader geopolitical goals, positioning Denmark to deepen its presence in East Africa amid changing global dynamics. The embassy reopening strengthens Denmark’s diplomatic network, enabling better coordination on international agendas like climate, migration, and security.
The reception provided an opportunity to reinforce commercial relations. Danish businesses, supported by the Danish Trade Council, have steadily expanded operations in Tanzania, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Enhanced diplomatic presence is expected to support further private-sector ventures and bilateral trade.
Ambassador Kammersgaard closed his remarks by emphasizing Denmark’s commitment to Tanzania’s journey toward sustainable development, stressing a partnership built on shared interests, trust, and dialogue. He reiterated that Denmark values the relationship not only pragmatically but also as a long-standing bond based on mutual respect.
Source: The Citizen
