The Norwegian Government is preparing a new strategy for Norwegian engagement with Africa. In connection with this the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) is hosting a seminar with Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, the Minister of International Development, to discuss Norway’s future approach to an engagement with Africa. What are the key challenges facing the continent and its peoples? What are the opportunities for development? How should Norway respond to these?  What should be the foreign policy and development priorities in relation to Africa?

1300-1330: Light refreshments

13:30-13:40

Part 1: Opening

Espen Villanger, Director – Chr. Michelsen Institute: Welcome

Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, The Minister for Development Cooperation: Why a new Africa strategy?               

13:40-14:30

Part 2: Challenges and opportunities for Africa

This part will highlight key challenges and opportunities for Africa through a series of short presentations (up to 3 minutes). The session will be moderated by Lovise Aalen, research professor, CMI.

Poverty in Africa, Magnus Hatlebakk, senior researcher, CMI

Fisheries and Oceans, Research Director Erik Olsen, Marine Research Institute

Conflict, violence and civil wars, Munzoul Assal, professor, social anthropology, University of Khartoum and visiting researcher, CMI/University of Bergen

Democratisation and authoritarianism, Matthew Gichohi, Post Doctoral Researcher, CMI

Domestic resource mobilisation and corruption, Monica Kirya, Senior advisor CMI/U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre

Health, Ingvild Fossgard Sandøy, Professor, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen and Deputy Director Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC)

Climate change and adaptation, Erik Kolstad, Research Professor Norce and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research

14:30-15:25

Part 3: What should Norwegian priorities be?

Plenary debate with Q&A moderated by Hilde Selbervik, Associate professor, University of Bergen and member of the Norwegian government’s 2022/2023 Expert group making recommendations on financing for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Espen Villanger, Director (CMI) – How should we address poverty and job creation?

Lise Rakner, Professor (Department of Government, University of Bergen) – How do we engage in fragile, conflict-affected, and authoritarian countries?

Carmeliza Rosario, post-doctoral researcher (CMI), Why support to gender and rights matter?

Elling Tjønneland, senior researcher (CMI):  Strategies and management: How can they make a difference in Norway’s engagement with Africa?

Q&A

15:25

Response and final remarks from the Minister