Denmark allocates millions of dollars to attract African students in strategic immigration program
According to LocalDenmark, the Nordic country aims to host 230 African students annually for the next eight years, primarily to foster deeper cultural and diplomatic integrations.
As stated by its Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, " It's clearly in our interest that African countries look towards Europe when considering their future paths. With this new program, we're not just investing in education, but in relationships that build a vital bridge between Denmark and Africa."
The program is also expected to strengthen ties between Danish and African universities, promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives.
Meanwhile, some 430 million Danish kroner ($61 million) has been allocated since 2024 to support this initiative, underscoring Denmark's commitment to its pro-Africa immigration policy and strategy.
This move by Denmark is part of a broader European effort to maintain relevance and influence in Africa, amid growing competition from China and Russia, particularly as the US continues to enforce strict immigration policies targeting African migrants.
According to Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund, " Africa has enormous potential, which we can help unlock through education. By 2050, a third of the world's youth will live in Africa, and the continent's geopolitical importance is growing rapidly."
In return, Denmark also hopes to see more of its own students pursuing studies and exchange programmes in African institutions. ' There's immense potential in Africa. Education is a two-way bridge, ' Løkke said
The scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and potentially including travel assistance.
Successful applicants may also be eligible to participate in the EU's Erasmus+ program, offering additional exchange opportunities.
Denmark's Africa strategy
Denmark is known for having some of the strictest immigration policies in Europe, with conditions growing increasingly rigid since the 1990s.
While this tough approach has achieved its intended effects, it has also introduced new challenges.
During a visit to Ghana last year, Denmark's Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen hinted at a shift in immigration policy.
He framed the change as a way to safeguard Denmark's core interests, noting that Europe is shrinking—not just in population, but also in its share of the global economy.
This perspective is central to the Danish government's new Africa strategy, unveiled on 26 August 2024. The strategy focuses on deepening ties with African nations through expanded trade, investment, and educational exchanges.
One of its key goals is to attract top talent from Africa to pursue education in Denmark, thereby fostering a network with long-term political and economic benefits for the country.
For many African students, this initiative offers a gateway to high-quality education in Europe, while also fostering stronger partnerships in areas such as science, technology, innovation, governance, and sustainable development between Africa and Denmark.
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Newsweek
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ukrainian delegates stormed out of the European Youth Event in protest following a speech delivered by Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. They condemned the inclusion of Russian speakers while Ukrainian voices were absent at the June 13-14 event held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which was attended by European youth representatives, Ukrainian TV channel 24 Kanal reported. The walkout centered on Navalnaya's appearance as a key speaker, which Ukrainian delegates called "insulting" given Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Delegates said they intend to bring their concerns to the European Parliament. The objection to Navalnaya's speech came despite the fact that her late father was Russian President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken critic. Newsweek has contacted the European Youth Forum for comment by email. Dasha Navalnaya delivers a speech after receiving the Sakharov prize on her father Alexei Navalny's behalf at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in France on December 15, 2021. Dasha Navalnaya delivers a speech after receiving the Sakharov prize on her father Alexei Navalny's behalf at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in France on December 15, 2021. JULIEN WARNAND/POOL/AFP/Getty Images Why It Matters The walkout highlights continuing tensions surrounding the participation of Russian citizens in European public events amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. It also highlights the sensitivities involved in international forums. What To Know Даша @Dasha_Navalnaya сегодня выступила в Европарламенте на конференции European Youth Event с речью о свободе слова. На эту панель пришло больше всего участников, а в конце Дашу приветствовали стоячей овацией — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) June 14, 2025 Navalny died in an Arctic prison in 2024 where he was being held on charges that had been widely viewed as politically motivated. Numerous officials, including Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, have accused the Kremlin of murdering Navalny. Navalnaya, 23, a Stanford University graduate, is also a fierce Putin critic. Her mother, Yulia Navalnaya, has also pledged to continue Navalny's work. The Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from the city of Lviv, left the event after learning that Navalnaya would serve as one of the main speakers. A lawyer from Russia, Vyacheslav Samonov, also spoke at the event. In a statement, the Ukrainian delegates expressed their outrage that Russian speakers were featured while Ukraine was not granted comparable participation, despite Lviv holding the title of European Youth Capital this year. Ukrainian participants criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of any explanation or rationale from forum organizers regarding the choice of guests. The European Youth Event, the Youth Outreach Unit of the European Parliament, said on X (formerly Twitter) it was "honoured" to welcome Navalnaya "for a conversation on freedom of expression and democratic values. Her words echo in a room full of young Europeans shaping the future of [the EU]." "My father gave his life for his convictions. For the chance to speak truthfully and honestly to his fellow citizens he payed the ultimate price," Navalnaya was cited as saying at the event. What People Are Saying Members of the Ukrainian delegation Solomiya Koval, Taya Mamchak and Daryna Pidlubna said in a statement: "We learned about [Navalnaya's] speech only once in the hall. There was no advance warning. She spoke about human rights, freedom of speech and language, while Russia destroys those very rights in Ukraine every day. "We come from a country that is under attack every day. Our peers are dying on the front. And to see the Russians playing a key role in the European Parliament is insulting to us and our struggle." "The European Parliament has enough experts not to invite representatives of an aggressor state. Especially without explanation and warning. That is why we left the hall. We will not remain silent." Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said: "I do not know what Ukrainians have done to deserve this, where in one part of Europe our youth must defend their country and die for their homeland, while in another they are expected to participate equally with Russians and listen to a keynote speech from a Russian. We will send an official letter to the head of the European Parliament. Ukrainian youth must be heard." What Happens Next The Ukrainian delegation is preparing to send a formal letter to the President of the European Parliament.
