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Dutch African enterprise

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Dutch African enterprise

For years, development aid was supposed to be the key to helping countries progress from poverty to wealth. But now, the big push is on to encourage trade, particularly with Africa.

wma-25.jpgrm-25.jpgClick to listen a report from the fair in A Good Life
"Aid is good, but trade is better!" the Netherlands' Development Cooperation Minister Agnes van Ardenne said at the opening on first Dutch African Enterprise Fair, held in Rotterdam last January. And she added, "The door to Africa is open."

Below, you can find her keynote speech as well as a report from the fair and profiles of two enterpreneurs - one Dutch, one from Africa - in the Netherlands.

 

Trade route to development

Business in Africa is picking up and, according to recent international reports, the growth rate is impressive. A recent fair in Rotterdam brought together enterpreneurs from Africa and the Netherlands.

 

Setting up shop the African way

Ati Kaffa from the Netherlands has recently opened an Internet café in Guinea Conakry. "I was surprised at how easy it is to make things happen here."

 

Importing Nigerian food and drinks

"I felt the need to help improve the perception of Nigeria across Europe", says Mustafa Ahmed. "Not all Nigerians are crooks, not all Nigerians are bad."

 

The door is open

Please step inside, says Dutch Development Cooperation Minister Agnes van Ardenne, outlining her five-point strategy for developing the private sector in Africa.