If You Missed It: Here's What Happened at the Launch of the Danish-African Business Network

As guests arrived at DI's top-floor venue overlooking Copenhagen City Hall Square, the atmosphere quickly reflected the purpose of the afternoon: bringing together businesses, embassies, organisations and other stakeholders with a shared interest in the African continent. Before long, nearly 200 participants had gathered to discuss opportunities, partnerships and future engagement across the continent. 

Opening the event, Executive Vice President, International Relations at DI, Sofie Carsten Nielsen, welcomed guests to the network's first official event. 

Her message was clear: Africa will play an increasingly important role in the global economy, and Danish companies have both strong opportunities and compelling reasons to engage more actively across the continent. The purpose of DABN is therefore simple, to provide a platform where companies can exchange experiences, gain market insights, and build valuable relationships. 

The discussion continued with remarks from Ole Thonke, Climate Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for Development Policy at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He highlighted Africa's growing strategic importance for Denmark and stressed the value of close collaboration between Danish companies and the Ministry when operating across African markets. 

As he noted: "Africa is a central part of our strategy. That is why we are opening embassies and why Lars Løkke Rasmussen is travelling across the continent to strengthen partnerships." 

Local presence, relationships and long-term commitment

The afternoon's business panel, moderated by Marie Gad, Senior Vice President of Global Development and Sustainability, DI, brought together John Godfrey, Head of Africa Operations, Maersk, Pernille Mortensen, Vice President Head Global Partnerships & Engagement at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), and Gustavo Bosio, Director of External affairs at FMC. 

Drawing on years of experience across African markets, the panelists shared practical insights on market entry, partnership building, investment opportunities and risk management. 

Despite representing different industries, their advice was remarkably consistent: local partnerships matter. 

None of the panelists spoke of quick wins or silver bullets. Instead, the discussion centred on presence, relationships and long-term commitment. Several speakers emphasised that one of the most effective ways to mitigate risk is to invest time in understanding local markets and building strong partnerships on the ground.  

As one panelist put it: "In others' perceived risk lies our opportunities." 

In many ways, that quote captured the spirit of the discussion. Where some see risk, others see growing markets, investment opportunities and long-term partnerships. 

As the formal programme concluded, conversations continued well into the afternoon. Business cards were exchanged, experiences shared and new connections established, precisely the kind of dialogue the Danish-African Business Network was created to facilitate. 

Through future events, market insights and peer-to-peer exchanges, DABN aims to support Danish companies looking to strengthen their engagement across African markets. 

In short, DABN is officially up and running. If the energy and engagement at the launch are anything to go by, this is only the beginning.