Benin-Netherlands Roundtable: Catalyzing Collaboration for Sustainable Business and Development

NFP Director Ivo Demmers set the stage by reiterating NFP's mission: strengthening Dutch-LMIC multi-stakeholder collaboration for more sustainable and equitable food systems and healthy diets, leveraging the "Dutch Diamond Approach." NFP’s work in focus countries like Benin is vital for connecting local demands with Dutch knowledge and expertise.

H.E. Mr. Joris W.P. Jurriëns, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Benin, highlighted that the draft Multi-Annual Country Strategy (MLS) prioritizes sustainable economy and water—key themes from the trade mission—as sectors where the Netherlands can contribute to development in Benin with Dutch knowledge and expertise and seize opportunities for Dutch companies to become active in Benin. Next to that the Ambassador outlined recent developments in Benin, particularly the run-up to the presidential elections to be held in the spring of 2026.

Mrs. Edwige Bibilary of EUROCHAM explained how EUROCHAM-Benin supports European companies established or wishing to establish in Benin. EUROCHAM Benin provides advocacy, networking, and business development support. The organisation works closely with the Beninese government and other stakeholders to promote a favorable business environment in the country.

This was followed by exchange between the participants and the Ambassador about ongoing efforts and plans in Benin:

Horticulture: Holland Greentech is working with VNG & SNV on water & horticulture mapping and seeks investors for nursery business and consortium partners for "excellence centers."

Agriculture & Seed: IFDC is focusing on seed sector development, noting the benefit of serving the Nigerian market from the stable investment climate in Benin. FarmTree is introducing its platform in an FAO project.

Water & Land: VNG, MDF and the Dutch Embassy are running a significant land registry program having significant implications for land ownership rights in Benin. A next phase is to look into land use rights (droit d’usage). World Waternet is planning a pilot and forming a coalition with VNG, SNV, and Eco Benin for peer-to-peer government support. Akvo is working with the Ministry of Agriculture on data and digitalization platforms.

Training & Private Sector: Roodbont Publishers and AERES are collaborating on training (e.g., poultry). Swisscontact is engaged in vocational training and private sector development

This roundtable successfully reaffirmed the shared commitment to co-create locally relevant solutions and build the strong, trusted linkages essential for effective, impactful partnerships between the Netherlands and Benin.

NABC, RVO and NFP intend to (re-)unite on a regular basis Dutch stakeholders with an interest in Benin, to further explore cooperation, exchange experiences and build upon each other's activities. 

Interested to join the next Benin round table in NL? 

Please contact us:

NABC, Mrs. Núria Vlonk-Cunha Soares, nuria.vlonk@nabc.nl

RVO, Mr. Dik van de Koolwijk, dik.vandekoolwijk@rvo.nl

NFP, Mrs. Lisette van Benthum, LvanBenthum@NLfoodpartnership.com