IMP Netherlands, in collaboration with the Morocco Institute, Afro Euro, Vita la ide, and HUB, has taken the initiative to organize the first Africa Day in The Hague on June 13. All residents of The Hague, and especially residents of African descent, are invited to this gathering.

The goal is to explore together the possibilities for collaboration and to conceive and develop projects both here in the Netherlands and in the country of origin. A number of institutions and agencies have been invited to give presentations at the conferences. The agenda items for the conference are:

• Collaboration between organizations of the African diaspora (both above and below the Sahel) and Africans from all regions.
• Relationship between the Netherlands and Africa, past and present
• Migration and the Marrakech Pact
• The role of the Diaspora in the development of Africa
• Contributions from RVO to the support and financing of socio-economic projects
• Networks

Opening and welcome

• Because Messrs. Henk and Pleun of IMP are unable to attend due to illness, Mr. Benabbou, also a member of IMP Netherlands, has assumed the chairmanship of the day.

After the opening, Ms. Marylen from Vital Aide welcomed everyone; she explained the purpose and which organization she represents.

Introduction 1

Mr. Benabbou indicated in his introduction regarding “the importance of cooperation between The Hague’s African (diaspora) organizations” that Africa does not sufficiently benefit from global development, while everywhere in the world there are cadres, experts, and entrepreneurs of African descent who have the opportunity to contribute to the development of their country of origin and of Africa. Young people are constantly leaving Africa and taking great risks in miserable boots to cross over to Europe. Often, they fall prey to criminals. 

Through this collaboration, we aim to explore the possibilities of realizing social-economic projects in Africa.

Introduction 2

• Mr. Albert Abraham delivered his introduction on the “Relationship between the Netherlands and Africa, Past and Present.” He indicated that Africa is close to Europe. The Netherlands has relations with various African countries; for example, the relationship with Morocco is 400 years old. With South Africa, the relationship and connection date back to the colonial era. Furthermore, diverse economic ties with Africa have been maintained over the years.

Introduction 3

• Mr. Adri Zagers gave his introduction on “Migration and the Marrakech Pact.” Due to the many political refugees caused by wars here and there, and economic refugees, many people take risks to flee their countries and seek their fortune elsewhere. Europe is particularly attractive because it is close by. Because crossing the Mediterranean Sea poses many risks for migrants, the United Nations held a conference in Marrakech attended by many countries to jointly examine how migration can be managed safely. Many developed countries need workers, and in many countries, people are unemployed; therefore, it is better to reach some kind of mutual agreement on how migration can be regulated safely. Suggestions were made and agreements reached regarding this in the Marrakech Pact. A number of countries have signed the pact, while others have not; however, it is an optional pact and is not binding.

Introduction 4 

• Mr. Max Koffie delivered his introduction on “what the African diaspora can do to contribute to the development of Africa.” He indicated that worldwide there is great potential among highly educated Africans—e.g., scientists, executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations—who could make a difference for the development of Africa; however, progress is slow. Funding is often a problem, but the political situation in African countries and the deplorable infrastructure also constitute an obstacle to investment. He gave the example that if the 350,000 Africans in the Netherlands each donate 1 euro, we would have the financial means to fund certain projects. He is considering establishing an investment fund to develop projects through donations from Africans in the diaspora. Furthermore, he believes it is good to organize such meetings and to raise awareness among Africans to contribute to the development of Africa.

Introduction 5

• Mr. Dunken from the Sancofa Foundation gave an introduction regarding a documentary about migrants from Ghana, which presents their findings on migration as well as return, and also on setting up small projects in Ghana.

Introduction 6

• Mr. Abder of the RVO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) indicated in his introduction regarding “what RVO can do in project financing” that the ministry no longer provides subsidies, but is willing to co-finance economic projects (as a loan). The ministry requires that there be partners here in the Netherlands and there in Africa, and that there be some kind of contract or agreement for learning. The projects must have a chance of success.

Panel discussion

The panel consisted of the above-mentioned speakers/experts. They answered questions from the audience. Many questions concerned the difficulties involved in setting up projects in Africa. Infrastructure and political situations were cited as problems, which hinder the implementation of the initiatives. Furthermore, cooperation among the African diaspora is not optimal; it is fragmented. A suggestion was made to involve migrants from the entire African diaspora in these initiatives.

Conclusion and recommendations .

Those present indicated that they considered this initiative a good one. It is worth repeating. They suggested that it would be better to organize it on a weekend so that more people can attend.

Closure

• Mr. Vincent Gambrah closed the meeting and thanked everyone present; furthermore, a group photo was taken.