New Centre to Make It Easier for Danish Researchers and Businesses to Collaborate with African Partners

With operations based in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria, Denmark’s first innovation centre in Africa will create new opportunities for Danish research and innovation while paving the way for Danish businesses and investment across the continent.

World’s fastest growing economies

Africa is home to more than half of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies and is playing an increasingly important role in the green transition and global technological development. Denmark is therefore strengthening its engagement on the continent through the establishment of Innovation Centre Denmark Africa. So states a (Danish Language) press release from the Danish Ministry for Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs.

Easing access to co-creators and markets

The new centre will provide a permanent presence in the region, helping Danish organisations gain access to decision-makers, research communities, investors, businesses and public authorities that may otherwise be difficult to reach.

By 2050, one in three young people in the world will be African, and as populations, economies and confidence continue to grow, so too will the opportunities for Danish business. We must be ready to seize them. By establishing an innovation centre in Nairobi, we are strengthening opportunities for Danish companies and educational institutions to engage in trade and collaboration, to the benefit of both Denmark and Africa.” Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In a leading hub for African innovation

Headquartered in Nairobi, one of Africa’s leading innovation hubs for digitalisation, fintech, healthcare and the green transition, the innovation centre will serve as a bridge between Danish and African innovation ecosystems. It will foster strong partnerships, develop concrete collaborations and bring Danish knowledge and technology into markets and environments with significant potential.

Africa’s geopolitical importance is greater than ever before, and Europe must increase its engagement if we are to remain Africa’s partner of choice. The continent represents the future in every sense, with enormous potential and a wealth of new ideas and entrepreneurs. We must therefore invest in building partnerships that benefit both Denmark and African countries.” Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Digitalisation.

Facts

Innovation Centre Denmark works to strengthen Danish access to international knowledge, networks, innovation, capital and markets.Innovation Centre Denmark Africa is the eighth Danish Innovation Centre. The others are located in Silicon Valley, Boston, Munich, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Shanghai and Seoul.

• Innovation Centre Denmark Africa will be based at Denmark’s Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and will also cover Pretoria in South Africa and Lagos in Nigeria, where innovation staff will also be stationed.
• The centre began operations in August 2026.In connection with the Nordic-Africa Startup Summit during TechBBQ 2026, ICDK hosted an informal networking event for Danish, Nordic and African stakeholders.
• Innovation Centre Denmark is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Digitalisation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The establishment of Innovation Centre Denmark Africa forms part of the Africa Strategy launched by the previous government in 2024.
• The overall ambition of the strategy is to strengthen Danish engagement in Africa and promote equal partnerships between Denmark and African countries.