Denmark commits to ongoing support for Ethiopia’s climate initiatives and dev’t efforts: Finance Minister

Addis Ababa, December 9, 2024 (FMC) – In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation (FMC), Nicolai Wammen, the Minister of Finance of Denmark, emphasized the enduring friendship between Denmark and Ethiopia across various sectors.

The Danish Finance Minister visited social development activities in Axum and surrounding areas with a view consolidate support to the efforts to ensure quality of education.

“My visit was in the capacity of being a global champion for the organization called Education Cannot Wait, which is a UN organization. And the purpose of that organization is to provide quality education for children, especially in areas that have been affected by conflict and other issues.”

“Education Cannot Wait and other organizations want to help Ethiopia to do is to give more children a quality education,” he added.

Following discussions with Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa (PhD), Nicolai Wammen highlighted the potential for further collaboration in various sectors.

“During the recent COP 29 meeting, Denmark and Ethiopia had a very good cooperation with the pavilion of Ethiopia and meetings at the highest level between your president and our prime minister. This underscores how close a cooperation we have and I believe it can be even closer in the years to come,” the Danish Minister pointed out.

“The two countries are leaders on the global climate agenda. As a leader from Europe, It is an honor for Denmark two partnering with Ethiopia which is a leader from Africa in the green transformation agenda,” he underlined.

The Danish Finance Minister praised Ethiopia’s leadership in the green transformation agenda citing the Green Legacy Initiatives as an exemplary national project, acknowledging the necessity to bolster cooperation between the two countries on climate action.

Denmark has committed to investing 200 million USD in Ethiopia over the coming years to support the country’s green initiatives and efforts to combat climate change, underscoring Denmark’s dedication to addressing shared environmental challenges.

Both countries are committed to tree planting efforts; Denmark aims to plant a billion trees while supporting Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which he said mobilized millions, including school children, in reforestation efforts.

Nicolai Wammen noted the significance of collaborative efforts in fighting climate change, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from such partnerships.

“Denmark is a leader in delivering on the climate finance pledge. We have made it very clear that this is a top priority for us, not only in speeches, but in deeds and action. And therefore, I call on all countries to do their part, because climate change is such a huge challenge for all of us,” he noted.

The Danish Finance Minister also commended Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, underscoring its significance in attracting foreign direct investments and fostering trade relations with countries.

“The ongoing economic reforms will be of mutual benefit to Ethiopia and its trading partners. So, Ethiopia will see more foreign direct investments. And, it will contribute to strengthening trade and investment cooperation between our two countries too,” the Minister said.

He also highlighted Ethiopia’s digital economy strategy as an area ripe for cooperation, alongside education, which he identified as another vital focus for collaboration.

Concluding his remarks, the Danish Minister shared his appreciation for Ethiopia’s hospitality during his first visit, reaffirming the commitment and fond memories that will guide future engagements between the two nations.

By Wondesen Aregahegn