Oslo, Norway – Norway is expanding its diplomatic presence in West Africa with the opening of a new embassy in Dakar, Senegal, this autumn. This marks the first time Norway has established an embassy in the country.
The embassy’s reach will extend beyond Senegal, serving as the diplomatic hub for Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad – all nations where Norway currently lacks a physical presence.
“This is a significant step in strengthening our cooperation with Senegal and the broader region,” stated Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide. “Our dedicated diplomats will work to build a stronger partnership with Senegal and promote stability and development throughout West Africa.”
Norway has a long-standing commitment to supporting economic development, conflict resolution, democratic ideals, and human rights in Africa. The new embassy will further solidify this commitment and foster closer collaboration with regional partners.
“Senegal has been a key partner on critical issues like climate change, food security, and democratic values,” said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim. “The embassy will allow us to be a more effective partner in addressing these challenges.”
Development assistance is another cornerstone of Norway’s engagement with the Sahel region. In 2022 alone, Norway allocated over $54 million to partners in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal, with a focus on conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and education initiatives.
“The embassy will provide us with a stronger understanding of the complex issues facing the region,” Tvinnereim explained. “Humanitarian crises often go unnoticed in the Sahel, and Norway is committed to providing life-saving assistance, promoting food security, and driving sustainable development.”
The opening of the Dakar embassy brings the total number of Norwegian missions abroad to 95.