Constitution Day Signals Strong Bilateral Ties Between Denmark and Tanzania

The Kingdom of Denmark reiterated its commitment to a strong and forward-looking partnership with the United Republic of Tanzania during a Constitution Day reception held on 5 June at the Danish Ambassador’s residence in Dar es Salaam.

The event marked the 176th anniversary of the Danish Constitutional Act, one of the world’s oldest constitutions, and signaled Denmark’s renewed diplomatic presence and long-term engagement in Tanzania, following a previous decision to close the Embassy in 2021.

“Today we mark that Denmark is back in business in Tanzania,” said the Ambassador of Denmark, Jesper Kammersgaard. “We need strong, trusted partnerships, especially in times of uncertainty. Our presence here reflects our commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared progress”, he continued, with reference to Denmark’s long-term, trusted and respectful partnership with Tanzania.

The reception was attended by Honourable Mr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, as guest of honour. Also present were ambassadors, members of the private sector, development partners, civil society representatives, and the media.

In his address, Ambassador Kammersgaard said the decision to remain active in Tanzania reflects a deliberate shift in how Denmark engages with its African partners.

The Ambassador, who also served in Tanzania 15 years ago, noted the visible signs of progress in Tanzania, including a growing middle class, and stronger agriculture and trade sectors, sectors Denmark has been working with over the past 60 years. In total, Denmark has invested app. USD 5 billion in Tanzania over time.

The Danish-Tanzanian partnership, now in its seventh decade, is adding new perspectives to the partnership that goes beyond traditional development cooperation. Denmark’s new Africa policy, ‘Africa’s Century’, outlines a shift toward broader economic and political collaboration. Under the new strategy, Denmark is scaling up its diplomatic footprint on the continent, while focusing more on trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.

About Denmark’s Constitution Day

Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag), marked annually on 5 June, commemorates the signing of Denmark’s 1849 Constitutional Act, which transformed the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy. The Act remains the cornerstone of Danish democratic governance, safeguarding fundamental freedoms and universal suffrage.