A new Swedish policy for Africa

On Wednesday the Government presented its renewed Africa policy when the Government Communication on Africa was submitted to the Riksdag. The Communication sets out the Government's policy for cooperation with Africa. The areas it covers include trade, economic growth, democracy, security, aid, environment and climate, and gender equality.

On Wednesday the Government presented its renewed Africa policy when the Government Communication on Africa was submitted to the Riksdag. The Communication sets out the Government's policy for cooperation with Africa. The areas it covers include trade, economic growth, democracy, security, aid, environment and climate, and gender equality.

"Africa is so much more than famine, armed conflict and a lack of democracy and human rights. The continent has enormous assets and potential. Our policy must build on the reality of great differences between countries," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The new policy for Africa starts from the positive changes that have taken place in the continent over the past ten years, and from the development of Africa's relations with the rest of the world. A strong partnership between the EU and Africa is of central importance. Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable development remain priority areas. Economic growth, deeper democracy and stronger protection of human rights form the basis for development.

"African states are dependent on being able to build up their own business and industry and on conducting trade both with other parts of the world and with one another. This is crucial for sustainable economic development," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"The continuing conflicts in Darfur, Chad, Somalia and eastern Congo are not only causing great human suffering, but they also make clear the link between peace, security and development. The development of Africa is a global concern. This is why it is important that Sweden, the EU and the international community support the work being done in the African Union in the efforts to achieve greater democracy and protection of human rights. Zimbabwe is a tragic example of how a lack of respect for these values has an adverse effect on development and wipes out the progress that has been achieved," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

The new Africa policy also highlights the threat to the climate as a central issue for the future of Africa. The International Commission on Climate Change and Development appointed by the Government will play an important role in deepening knowledge about how Sweden and other members of the international community can best provide assistance.