“Doing business on the African continent is a long-term commitment,” says Managing Director Núria Vlonk-Cunha Soares. Born in Guinea-Bissau and raised in Portugal and the Netherlands, she brings an international perspective to the position. “Africa is also a growing market, rich in raw materials and opportunities, and Dutch expertise and innovation have an important part to play in unlocking that potential. That vision of partnership and progress drives us every day.”

NABC’s base at Titaan in The Hague – a buzzing hub of impact-driven start-ups and scale-ups, tackling societal and sustainable challenges – reflects that mission perfectly. “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many organisations working on sustainable ambitions and creating impact,” adds Vlonk-Cunha Soares. “We feel at home here and are always learning from one another.”

Meaningful encounters

With over 200 members and a network of more than 20,000 companies, governments and institutions across Africa and Europe, NABC is all about making the right connections. As a network organisation, it organises trade missions, business events and knowledge exchange, helping Dutch companies explore where, how and with whom to do strategic and effective business in Africa.

One of the highlights is the annual Ambassadors' Dinner at Kasteel de Wittenburg in Wassenaar, where about 30 African ambassadors from the Benelux region meet with hundreds of Dutch entrepreneurs. “It’s all about creating meaningful encounters,” says Vlonk-Cunha Soares. “We bring the right people together to share ideas, opportunities and solutions.”

She points to Dutch family businesses, like Rijk Zwaan and Koudijs, as examples of long-standing investment in Africa. “They’ve been active on the continent for decades,” she says. “Their focus on local collaboration and development really makes a difference and perfectly embodies the kind of partnerships we want to encourage.”

Continuing to thrive

Deputy Managing Director Mattijs Renden emphasises NABC’s role as a knowledge and expertise platform. “We gather, discuss and exchange practical insights that help companies navigate challenges and unlock new opportunities,” he says. “By linking Dutch innovations with African needs, like climate-resilient seeds that improve food security or solar-powered cooling in areas with an unreliable energy grid, we see tangible, positive results for both sides.”

Sustainability is an increasingly central focus. “There’s strong demand across Africa for sustainable energy, circular applications and climate-smart innovations,” Renden explains. “And Dutch expertise and experience in those fields is second to none. By joining forces, we are helping to create long-term resilience, efficiency and progress across the African continent.”

Looking ahead, NABC remains true to its mission. “We look forward to strengthening ties between the Dutch and African private sectors over the next 80 years,” Renden concludes. “By promoting responsible trade and investment, we aim to support African markets, and our partnerships, continue to thrive.”

www.nabc.nl