Dear All!

As you may know, I am a macroeconomist by background. I am trying to keep track of the many publications about Africa’s economic development, in order to be able to give companies a realistic picture of the current state of affairs and of the expectations of future developments. It is easy to look at problems facing Africa, but I usually look at things from a brighter perspective. Fortunately the two leading organizations in terms of policy influence are making quite strong statements these days:

IMF Regional Economic Outlook October 2010: “Perhaps one of the least noticed aspects of the global downturn has been the resilience of the sub-Saharan Africa region”

In the recent “Africa’s Future and the World Bank’s Role in it” the World Bank concludes “that Africa could be on the brink of an economic takeoff, much like China was 30 years ago, and India 20 years ago.”

GDP growth in Africa between 2002 and 2008 makes Africa the second fastest growing region in the world. In the sixties of the last century, many people were expecting a takeoff to happen but things went differently. The future that was then predicted is really happening in the 21st century. Better late than never and one could say, back to the future. I am convinced that the development path of Africa is by no means exceptional, but merely following a similar route as other continents. The best thing we can do is to look at the many new opportunities that are emerging now and treat Africa as a normal continent. This mind shift may still take a long time to materialize in the Netherlands with so many organizations depending on keeping the “tragic Africa”-image alive, but NABC’s growing membership of pioneering companies shows that not all companies are blind to the facts.

Our new government has given its first very promising signals by clearly stating that private sector development and private sector involvement are key to stimulate the African economies. NABC is lobbying for an increased availability of economic instruments that enable Dutch companies to develop their business in Africa. In the end, only “win-win”-situations are sustainable and it would be a good thing to consider Africa as an emerging market where Dutch companies can achieve business success together with their African partners.

During the upcoming African Ambassador’s dinner, we will certainly discuss this subject with the many African ambassadors that will be present. I look forward to see you there!

Warm regards,

Bob van der Bijl
Managing Director NABC
 

On the 16th of December, the most exclusive NABC event will be organized in The Hague.

The Annual African Ambassadors Dinner unites African ambassadors and Dutch entrepreneurs. Don´t miss this festive evening: it is a great chance to meet the Ambassadors and approach them with your specific questions during 1 on 1 meetings.

The Annual African Ambassadors Dinner is one of NABC’s most visited events. Registration has already begun with the following countries’ ambassadors being the first to confirm their presence:

Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan and Zambia.

It is still possible to sponsor this event to generate extra attention to your company. With up to 15 official African representations present, this is a unique opportunity! Please contact us if you are interested (070 304 3618 or josine.hoogenraad@nabc.nl).  

Programme
15.00 - 17.00    Meet the ambassadors
17.00 - 18.00    Reception
18.00 - 21.00    Dinner

Please find more info and registrater online.

GLOBAL CONNECTION – Where two cultures unite and speak through the heart…

Main business is the Safari business in Tanzania. If your primary reason for travelling to Africa is to experience an abundance of African wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, then Tanzania should be your destination of choice.

Also we just started up our Global Connection Driving School, Vocational Training Centre and a Global Connection Hotel Management School.

I do think the NABC is a very good network platform, where many people can support each other and give business to each other. I guess when business is good in one African Country, you can copy it to many other countries as well. Therefore you need to have the contacts and networks, which one can find in the NABC group.

If you'd like to know more about Global Connection, please visit their website.

Invitation to attend - Mobile phones: the new talking drums of Everyday Africa?

Workshop 10 December, 2010
African Studies Centre
Leiden

Read article

Just as last year, Heineken kindly hosts our New Year's Cocktail at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. This networking event is a great way to start 2011 and to possibly meet a new connection for your business in Africa.

Participation is FREE but by invitation only!

Date: January 20, 2011
Time: 4 - 7 PM
Venue: Heineken Experience, Amsterdam

Please go online for more details and registration.

From 6 to 12 February 2011 NABC is organizing a trade mission to Ethiopia for Dutch companies in the meat & poultry sector - financed by the NL EVD Internationaal. The trade mission is organized in close cooperation with the Dutch Poultry Centre (DPC) and the Addis Ababa Chamber and Commerce (AACC).

The livestock population of Ethiopia is believed to be one of the largest in the world and the largest in Africa totaling up to 134,33 million animals. Livestock sector has been contributing considerable portion to Ethiopia’s economy, and still promising to rally round the economic development of the country.

Please go online for more information and registration.