COPENHAGEN: Denmark said Wednesday it will increase its development aid to Africa by 500 million kroner (67 million euros) in 2008.

The raise will bring Denmark s total aid to African countries next year to 14.4 billion kroner (1.9 billion euros).

It is part of the government s plan for how we through development policy and assistance can contribute to a more equal and just world, Foreign Aid Minister Ulla Toernaes said. Only this way can poverty be eradicated.

The Danes want to focus on women s rights, HIV and AIDS, and good governance, Toernaes said, adding that other important topics included migration, climate change, and conflicts.

Of the 16 countries that receive Danish aid, 10 were in the Africa. They are Benin, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.