Abidjan: Connect Pro Afrique Visits the Embassy of the Netherlands

Photo credit: Connect Pro AfriqueConnect Pro AfriqueMay 91 min read

I recently had the honor, as Co-Founder of Connect Pro Afrique, to present our platform to His Excellency Mr. Jeroen Kelderhuis, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Côte d’Ivoire.

This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for insightful discussions on economic opportunities between the Netherlands and Côte d’Ivoire. The Ambassador commended Connect Pro Afrique’s initiative, which aims to connect French-speaking African and Dutch economic players and to facilitate tangible partnerships between the two regions.

He kindly presented me with the guide “A Guide for Dutch Companies on Doing Business in Côte d’Ivoire”, a valuable resource highlighting:

• Key investment sectors such as agro-industry, infrastructure, logistics, and more;

• Reasons to invest in Côte d’Ivoire, including its sustained economic growth and favorable business climate;

• The active presence of Dutch companies in the country, particularly in cocoa, horticulture, and infrastructure.

In 2023, trade between our two countries reached €2.3 billion, making the Netherlands the second largest client of Côte d’Ivoire.

This meeting reinforced my conviction that Connect Pro Afrique plays a strategic role as a key bridge between African and Dutch economic ecosystems.

Nadine van der MaasCo-Founder – Connect Pro Afrique