In an exclusive interview with Africa Daily Post, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Denmark’s new ambassador to Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic, discussed his vision for deepening diplomatic, economic, and development partnerships across the region. Hansen also shared his plans for advancing Denmark’s engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into bilateral relationships.
The ambassador, who has extensive experience in international diplomacy, reflected on the opportunities and challenges of his new role, particularly in fostering trade, investment, and sustainable development across the six nations under his jurisdiction.
Interview with Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria and Central Africa
Vision and Objectives: As the newly appointed Ambassador of Denmark to several key African countries, what are your primary goals and objectives during your tenure? How do you plan to enhance Denmark’s diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic?
Hansen:
First of all, I want to say how proud and privileged I feel to be representing my own small country, Denmark, in these six giants in western and central Africa. I am looking incredibly much forward to visiting all the countries and gaining a much deeper understanding of their history, aspirations, and current situation. While Denmark has a longstanding relationship with Nigeria, where I will be based, our relations with the other countries have been more limited. I hope that will change in the coming years. In my work and during my visits, I will come to listen and engage in dialogue.
One of my major guiding tools in that dialogue will be a new Africa strategy that was just launched by the Danish government. The rationale behind the strategy is the need for broader engagement with a focus on foreign and security policy, trade and investment, green transition, tech, youth, innovation, and job creation, in line with the African Union’s “Agenda 2063.” Denmark has been a development partner in Africa for more than 60 years, and that is a strong foundation for a better and deeper dialogue at all levels, including as proud members of the European Union and through Nordic cooperation.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Given your recognized expertise in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how do you plan to integrate these goals into Denmark’s bilateral and multilateral engagements with the countries under your accreditation? Can you share any specific initiatives or projects that are in the pipeline?
Hansen:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are very close to my heart. I worked at the Danish delegation to the United Nations when they were negotiated and agreed upon in 2015. It was an emotional moment to see 195 countries agree on such an ambitious shared agenda for our common future. Unfortunately, we are not on the right track. COVID-19 and Russia’s war in Ukraine are part of the explanation; another part is a lack of political will to make the necessary and difficult decisions. Denmark is looking to establish green strategic partnerships with major countries on the continent to see how we can make the green agenda move forward.
Development Cooperation: Your career has included significant work in international development and cooperation. How do you envision Denmark’s role in addressing development challenges in West and Central Africa? What areas do you see as most critical for collaboration?
Hansen:
Denmark has been a very strong partner for many African countries over many years in terms of development. In West Africa, Denmark has a longstanding development relationship with Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. In this region, peace and security are major challenges that need to be addressed. At the same time, Nigeria and the other countries under my portfolio are major economies with young and aspiring populations who seek better opportunities to apply their skills. Jobs, education, and skills training for young people are major priorities for Denmark as well as for the EU.
ECOWAS and Regional Stability: As the Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, what are your priorities for Denmark’s engagement with the organization? How do you see Denmark contributing to regional stability and economic integration in West Africa?
Hansen:
ECOWAS is a very important organization operating in a complex context. Traditionally, ECOWAS has played an active role in promoting integration and preventing and resolving tensions within the region. Denmark has been, and will continue, supporting ECOWAS’ ability to promote conflict prevention, enhance democratic governance, and develop a more holistic and sustainable response to West Africa’s security and governance needs.
Past Experience: Your previous roles include working at the Danish embassy in Jordan and with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Gaza. How have these experiences shaped your diplomatic approach, and how might they influence your work in Africa?
Hansen:
All diplomats are shaped by the posts where they serve. No one leaves the Middle East untouched by that region’s challenges. What I saw in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, was a lot of lost opportunities, frustration, and negative actors amplifying the challenges people were already facing. That frustration comes from unrealized ambitions and dreams for a better life. In Nigeria, I sense the same dynamics, but I also see an explosion of ambition, creativity, and entrepreneurship waiting to be released. I will try to contribute to that release.
Challenges and Opportunities: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in your new role, particularly in the context of political and economic developments in the region? How do you plan to navigate these challenges?
Hansen:
Many Danish companies are eager to enter African markets with jobs, investments, and new products and ideas. However, many are hesitant due to real and perceived risks in environments they are unfamiliar with. One of my main tasks is to guide these companies in understanding the opportunities and complexities of the markets in the countries I cover.
Personal Reflections: What motivates you in your work as a diplomat, especially in the diverse and dynamic regions of Africa? Could you share any personal experiences or reflections that have influenced your career path?
Hansen:
When I arrived in Abuja, I presented myself on X (@DKambNigeria) to the Nigerian public. The response was overwhelming—more than 300,000 unique views and over 2,000 comments. Most comments were warm welcomes, advice on places to visit, and 100s of invitations to come and eat Jollof Rice. That was certainly motivating, and I hope to accept some of those invitations. I can already tell that my experience in Nigeria and Africa will be transformative. I am grateful to see the world from another perspective beyond the European one.
