The Nordic Africa Institute is a knowledge centre focused on Africa. It is jointly financed by the governments of Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

Folklore gives new perspectives to peace and gender research

Peacebuilding. What has Nigerian author Amos Tutuola to do with gender and peacebuilding? Quite a lot, according to NAI guest Professor Heidi Hudson. “Tutuola can make a huge contribution because he tells us to look at something that we cannot see, and to consider that as legitimate knowledge.”

Gender quotas - fast track to equality?

International Women´s Day. We asked three gender researchers, working on three different countries, about whether quotas are an effective way to achieve gender equality in Africa's political assemblies.

African countries run the risk of a debt crisis

Economy. Within four to five years, several African countries risk ending up in a new debt trap, warns development economist Jörgen Levin. Unlike the debt crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, debts are now mainly owed to private investors.

'People won't stop using charcoal'

Climate change. In poor areas of Zambian capital Lusaka people are stuck with energy solutions that harm the environment, because clean alternatives are unaffordable.

Same institute – new look!

Communication. The Nordic Africa Institute is introducing a new graphic profile. The new logo – featuring the African continent visualised as semi-circle shapes – reflects the image of a modern, diverse and ever-changing Africa, says NAI Director Iina Soiri.

Personality before issues in Nigeria

Elections. “Political power is very much centralised in Nigeria. That´s why everyone strives to be close to the winning candidate in the presidential election. This survivalist strategy has gained prominence. In addition, recent electioneering has focused less...

Growing interest in environmental issues in North Africa

Activism. Popular environmental movements, often based online, are also raising economic and social justice issues. According to NAI guest researcher Aziza Moneer, opinion in North Africa is hardening against a one-sided focus on economic growth.

Social media

To the top