Netherlands-Ghana Business Fair
 Theme: Partnership for Growth: Trade, Innovation, and Sustainability
 18-20  September 2025, The Hague

Background Paper

 Executive Summary

The Netherlands-Ghana Business Fair 2025 – The Gate of Return II is a four-day cultural, educational, and economic event taking place from 18-20 September 2025 in The Hague. Organized by AfroEuro Foundation, the fair builds on the success of its 2024 and other previous editions and aims to strengthen the historic and future-oriented ties between The Hague and Ghana, with a focus on remembrance, dialogue, and sustainable development.

The fair has three core objectives

  1. Reflecting on the Legacy of Slavery
       The fair will offer a platform to remember and explore the historical connection between The Hague and Ghana during the colonial and transatlantic slavery era. Through ceremonies, academic discussions, and artistic expression, participants will engage in collective reflection, truth-telling, and healing.
  2. Addressing Discrimination and the Current Reality of the Diaspora in The Hague
       By highlighting lived experiences of African and Caribbean communities, the program fosters dialogue about identity, inequality, and representation in Dutch society. A special emphasis will be placed on the voices of youth and descendants of enslaved people.
  3. Encouraging Trade and Investment as Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
       The fair promotes inclusive economic participation by encouraging fair trade, business innovation, and partnerships between Dutch and Ghanaian entrepreneurs. Through networking sessions, diaspora engagement, and youth-focused entrepreneurship workshops, the event contributes to long-term empowerment and self-sufficiency.

These three objectives will be realized through a dynamic four-day program that includes:
 – Ancestral Remembrance Ceremonies (Day 1)
 – Educational Exhibitions and Historical Dialogues (Day 2)
 – Interactive Workshops and the Young Professionals Summit (Day 3)
 – The SAWASA Cultural Festival (Day 4)

The fair brings together a broad audience: descendants of enslaved peoples, local residents, students, policymakers, business leaders, and cultural organizations. It also creates lasting partnerships between institutions in The Hague and Ghana, combining remembrance with action, and identity with opportunity.

Looking Back: Reflections on the Netherlands-Ghana Business & Tourism Expo 2024

The Netherlands-Ghana Business & Tourism Expo 2024 was a milestone in advancing international collaboration, historical reflection, and cultural unity. Hosted in The Hague from 25-27 September 2024, the Expo brought together leaders, citizens, and institutions from both Ghana and the Netherlands in an engaging three-day program. The events drew wide participation from The Hague community, business stakeholders, academia, students, and members of the diaspora.

Community and Academic Engagement:

  • A landmark panel discussion hosted at Koorenhuis, The Hague featured a professor from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, a professor from Wageningen University, and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. The discussion centered on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and how historical dialogue can be used as a foundation for constructive partnerships and education.
  • The auditorium was filled with residents of The Hague, including students, educators, and civic actors, eager to learn and contribute to the evolving Ghana-Netherlands relationship.

Cultural Connection and Local Response:

  • The SAWASA Festival held at Vennepark on the third day of the Expo brought together over 2,000 people. The diverse audience included families, youth, and elders from The Hague, who enjoyed a day of cultural performances, Ghanaian cuisine, and community building.
  • Many attendees expressed strong enthusiasm for the continuation of the festival, and the overwhelming response highlighted a growing local appreciation for the Ghanaian-Dutch connection. The festival successfully communicated Ghana’s vibrant heritage and shared historical ties with The Hague.
  • The Young Professionals’ Summit 2024, held on December 7 at NH Hotel DH in The Hague, marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind, hosted by the AfroEuro Foundation. Organized as part of the Netherlands-Ghana Business and Tourism Expo, the summit brought together young professionals, leaders, and innovators from across the African Diaspora. Under the theme “Building Stronger Ties Among Diaspora Youth,” the event focused on embracing cultural identity, exploring Africanness, and creating opportunities for a brighter, more connected future. The summit celebrated the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit within the Diaspora while equipping participants with practical tools and networks to support personal and professional growth. It was a dynamic day of learning, connection, and inspiration—laying the foundation for ongoing collaboration and impact.

Business Participation and Economic Exchange:

  • Businesses from The Hague, including SMEs, ICT providers, retail entrepreneurs, and logistics companies, attended the event. This fostered early-stage discussions around fair trade, tech cooperation, and diaspora investment.
  • Attendees emphasized the importance of continuing and deepening these relationships in a way that ensures fair and equal trade practices.
  • Over 50 new business leads and collaborations were initiated during networking and company pitch sessions.

Historical Awareness and Dialogue:

  • The event increased public understanding of the long-standing Ghana-Netherlands relationship. Many young people, in particular, engaged in discussions around historical accountability and future cooperation.
  • A call for equitable development, education on shared history, and inclusive trade became central themes during both the academic and public sessions.

Vision for the Future:

  • Residents of The Hague expressed their interest in further building on this relationship through practical initiatives, including youth programs, intercultural exchange, and entrepreneurship.
  • The 2024 Expo became a springboard for a renewed civic narrative of shared history, with an emphasis on truth-telling, mutual respect, and economic empowerment.

Looking Ahead: Netherlands-Ghana Business Fair 2025

Introduction

AfroEuro Foundation, is announcing the  Netherlands-Ghana Business Fair 2025, scheduled to take place from 18th to 20th September 2025 in the Hague. This multi-day event is a platform for fostering economic collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange between Ghana and the Netherlands.

The Fair reflects the shared commitment of stakeholders to strengthen trade ties, address key economic and social challenges, and explore opportunities for sustainable development. With targeted focus areas such as culture, employment, agriculture, renewable energy, and diaspora contributions, the event promises to bring together diverse perspectives and actionable strategies.

Backdrop

Ghana stands at a pivotal point in its development trajectory, driven by rapid population growth and accelerating urbanization. As cities expand and rural-to-urban migration intensifies, the pressure on food systems, employment, and infrastructure has increased significantly. In this context, the Ghana-Netherlands Business and Tourism Fair offers a timely and strategic platform to explore innovative solutions, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness, where the demand for high-quality, locally produced food is surging.

The Challenge: Feeding a Growing, Urban Population

With over half of Ghana’s population now living in urban centers, the challenge of food security has become more urgent. Urban populations rely heavily on stable, affordable food supplies — yet much of Ghana’s food is still imported, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations and currency pressures. At the same time, underemployment, especially among youth, persists in both rural and urban areas.

The Opportunity: Local Production with Global Expertise

The need for more and better food, produced locally, is not just an economic imperative — it is a national priority. This is where the partnership between Ghana and the Netherlands becomes vital. The Netherlands, known for its cutting-edge agricultural technologies, is the world’s second-largest exporter of food products despite its small size. This success stems from innovation in greenhouse farming, precision agriculture, cold chain logistics, and value-added processing — areas where Ghana can gain tremendously through collaboration.

Diaspora as Bridge-Builders

Adding a unique dimension to this opportunity is the Ghanaian diaspora in the Netherlands. These individuals possess not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the cultural and institutional landscapes of both countries. Their knowledge of the “written and unwritten rules” of doing business in Ghana — from navigating bureaucracy to building trusted networks — positions them as essential intermediaries for successful joint ventures and knowledge transfer.

Key Focus Areas for Collaboration

  1. Modern Agriculture and Agritech
    • Promoting greenhouse farming and smart irrigation
    • Enhancing yields through seed technology and soil management
    • Introducing sustainable pest control and organic methods
  2. Agro-processing and Value Chains
    • Supporting the development of local processing industries to reduce post-harvest losses
    • Creating jobs and increasing exports through value addition
  3. Cold Chain and Logistics
    • Investing in storage, refrigeration, and transportation systems to ensure food quality and reduce waste
  4. Diaspora-Led Investment Platforms
    • Structuring financial tools and advisory services that leverage diaspora capital and expertise

 

Conclusion

The Ghana-Netherlands Business Fair is more than a networking event — it is a launchpad for transformative partnerships. By aligning Dutch innovation with Ghanaian ambition, and empowering the diaspora as co-creators, both countries can tackle some of the most pressing development challenges of our time. The outcome is not only a more food-secure Ghana, but also a model of inclusive, cross-continental collaboration.

Event Schedule

Day 1: Thursday, 18th September – Ghana-Netherlands Partnership Summit (Business Plenary Workshops and Panels)
 Location: De Haagse Hogeschool, The Hague
 Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, 2521 EN The Hague

  • Plenary workshops on employment, agriculture, renewable energy, and corporate sustainability.
  • Expert panels and stakeholder roundtables.
  • High-level discussions on priority areas: employment, agriculture, renewable energy, and corporate sustainability.
  • Expert-led panels addressing Ghana-Netherlands trade opportunities and challenges.

Day 2: Friday, 19th September – Business Exchange & Innovation Forum
 Location: AfroEuro Office Building
 Waldorpstraat 17, 2521 CA, The Hague

  • Business networking and curated company pitch sessions.
  • Young Professionals Session – “Forward Thinking”: a youth-focused platform for innovation and leadership.
  • Facilitated networking sessions connecting Ghanaian and Dutch businesses.
  • Guided visits to Dutch companies specializing in sustainable development and cross-border trade.

 

Day 3: Saturday, 20th September – SAWASA Cultural Festival
 Location: Vennepark, Schildersbuurt-West, Den Haag

  • Cultural performances, exhibitions, and Ghanaian cuisine.
  • Community building and intercultural celebration.
  • A vibrant cultural showcase celebrating the rich traditions of Ghana and its diaspora in the Netherlands.
  • Music, art, and cuisine aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and integration.

Stakeholder Priorities and Objectives

  1. Ghana Embassy in The Hague
  • Key Focus Areas: Employment, agriculture, and renewable energy.
  • Event Objectives:
    • Highlight Ghana’s government’s new priority areas, emphasizing initiatives that address unemployment and enhance agricultural productivity.
    • Promote investment opportunities in renewable energy sectors within Ghana to meet sustainability goals.
  1. Dutch Government
  • Key Focus Area: Integration of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) framework within the Netherlands and its application to Ghanaian companies.
  • Event Objectives:
    • Facilitate discussions on implementing the CSDD framework to ensure responsible business practices across borders.
    • Provide guidance to companies operating in Ghana on compliance with sustainability regulations, fostering ethical trade.
  1. The Hague Municipality
  • Key Focus Area: Business and cultural integration with a focus on the Ghanaian diaspora.
  • Event Objectives:
    • Showcase the contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora in business and cultural spheres within The Hague.
    • Strengthen partnerships between the diaspora, Dutch businesses, and local institutions to drive mutual growth.

 

  1. The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)
  • Key Focus Area: Ghana-Netherlands trade relationship and student development.
  • Event Objectives:
    • Propose a minor study program focusing on cross-border business development and economic collaboration between Africa and Europe.
    • Offer internships in event management, marketing, and international relations, equipping students with practical skills.
  1. Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO)
  • Key Focus Areas: Cocoa trade and agricultural productivity in Ghana.
  • Event Objectives:
    • Promote sustainable cocoa trade practices and explore value-added processing opportunities.
    • Facilitate discussions on improving agricultural productivity through innovation and investment.

Proposed Activities and Highlights

Business Plenaries:

  • Workshops on integrating CSDD principles for businesses operating in Ghana.
  • Panels featuring experts on renewable energy investments and agricultural productivity.

Networking Sessions:

  • Targeted matchmaking for Ghanaian and Dutch businesses to explore joint ventures and trade agreements.
  • Opportunities for diaspora entrepreneurs to connect with Dutch investors and policymakers.

Company Visits:

  • Visits to Dutch firms specializing in renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and corporate sustainability.

SAWASA Festival:

  • A cultural extravaganza celebrating Ghanaian heritage through music, dance, art, and cuisine.
  • Dedicated spaces for businesses to showcase their cultural and economic contributions.

Student Engagement:

  • THUAS students participate in internships and gain hands-on experience in event management and cross-border business development.

Key Outcomes and Success Metrics

  1. Strengthened Trade Relations:
    • Formalized trade partnerships between Ghanaian and Dutch companies.
    • Increased bilateral trade activities in agriculture, cocoa, and renewable energy.
  2. Sustainability Integration:
    • Clear action plans for implementing Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence frameworks in Ghanaian companies.
    • Enhanced awareness of sustainability practices among businesses.
  3. Diaspora Contributions:
    • Greater engagement of the Ghanaian diaspora in trade and cultural activities.
    • Recognition of diaspora-led initiatives contributing to economic growth.
  4. Educational Impact:
    • Launch of the minor study program at THUAS focused on Ghana-Netherlands trade relations.
    • Successful completion of internships by students, contributing to their professional development.

Conclusion

The Netherlands-Ghana Business Fair 2025 provides a dynamic platform to address shared challenges and seize opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. By aligning with the priorities of key stakeholders—including governments, academia, and the business community—this event aims to foster sustainable trade relations and empower future leaders. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous partnership between Ghana and the Netherlands.

 

Call to Continued Partnership

We kindly invite partners to continue and expand their partnership in the 2025 event. Your ongoing support is vital to:

  • Coordinating venues and local partnerships
  • Enhancing visibility via city communication channels
  • Encouraging business and community participation

Contact:
 AfroEuro Foundation
 Email: info@afroeuro.org
 Website: www.afroeuro.org