netherlands ghana business fair -...

1 Netherlands‐Ghana Business Fair, 2011

NETHERLANDS‐GHANABUSINESSFAIR(Almere&TheHagueon28th–29thApril,2011)

OrganisersandSponsors


Contents

1.0Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................3

1.2Opening.........................................................................................................................................................................3

1.3Objective.......................................................................................................................................................................4

1.4OrganisersandSponsors......................................................................................................................................4

1.5Supporters...................................................................................................................................................................4

1.6ParticipatingOrganisations.................................................................................................................................4

2.0ProfileofparticipatingCompanies/Projects.................................................................................................5

3.0Workshops.....................................................................................................................................................................13

4.0OtherActivities............................................................................................................................................................19

4.1Accommodation......................................................................................................................................................20

5.0Challenges.......................................................................................................................................................................20

5.1Evaluation..................................................................................................................................................................21

6.0Conclusion......................................................................................................................................................................21


1.0 Introduction

ThisreportcontainsanoverviewofthetwodayNetherlands‐Ghanabusinessfairorganisedin

April2011inNetherlands(AlmereandTheHague).Initiallytheorganisersoftheprogramme

plannedforabusinessfairbutasthelevelofregisteredcandidatesfrombothGhanaand

Netherlandswasnotasitwasexpecteditbecamewisethatratherthancancellingtheentire

eventweturnitintoanincomingtrademissionthatallowsbusinessmenandentrepreneursa

forumtodeliberateandinteractwithoneanotherwhileexploringbusinessandinvestment

opportunitiesinbothGhanaandTheNetherlands.Thereportdiscussestheactivitiesthattook

placeduringtheprogramme,theorganisersandsponsorsoftheprogrammeaswellasthe

participatingorganisationsrepresentedfrombothNetherlandsandinGhana.Furthermore,it

discussesthevariousworkshopsundertakenduringfairandthenproceedstomakea

conclusionthatthefairwassuchaveryfruitfulevent.

1.2Opening

Theprogrammebeganwithawelcomebythemoderatorofthe

businessfairMs.AbenaBemah.Participantspresentwerethen

allowedtomakeaselfintroductionofthemselves,their

organisationandtheirmajorinterestforparticipatinginthefair.

Thereafter,Ms.BemahaskstheDeputyHeadofMission‐Ghana

Embassy,Mr.OdoiAnimtogiveanopeningspeech.

HisspeechhighlightedtheimportanceoftheNetherlands

businessfair.Hedealtmoreabouttheneedtoencourage

partnershiprelationshipbetweenNetherlandsandGhanaian

businesses.HeexplainedthedoorsofGhanaarewidelyopento

allwellmeaninginvestorswhohavevisionoftradingand

engaginginbusinessventurewithGhanaiancompaniesand

industries.Hefurtherexplainsthatthemainsectorfor

investmentrangesfromAgroProcessing,Cashcrops,Property

Management,FinancialServices,Information

Technology/Electronics,Transport/ConstructionIndustry,

Tourism,Apparel,CottonandTextiles,Ceramics,Furnitureand

woodprocessing,Seafoodprocessing,FineandCustom

jewellery,EthnicandBeautyproduct,Floricultureamongmany

others.

Mr.OdoiAnim,DeputyHeadofMission‐GhanaEmbassy


1.3ObjectiveThe objective for organising the Netherlands‐ Ghana Business fair is to contribute to socio‐economic growth of Ghana and Netherlands. The business fair seeks to recognise existingopportunitiesandchallengesfacedbybusinessentrepreneursinbothNetherlandsandGhana.It promotes partnership and stimulates an entrepreneurial spirit between Ghanaian‐DutchBusinesses.

1.4OrganisersandSponsorsThemainorganisersandsponsorsoftheNetherlandsGhanabusinessfairare:

‐ AfroEuroFoundation‐ GhanaEmbassy,TheHague‐ AssociationofGhanaIndustries‐ GhanaInvestmentPromotionsCouncils‐ NLEvDInternational‐ IntEnt ‐ OS‐House

1.5Supporters Otherorganisationswhichsupportedtheeventindiversewaysandcontributedtoitssuccessincluded:

‐ GhanaNetherlandsChamberofCommerceandCulture(Ghanecc)‐ GhanaToday‐ TheAfricanBulletin‐ SamenWerk‐ TheRoyalEmbassyofNetherlands,Ghana‐ AssociationofRoadContractors,Ghana‐ BusinessGhana‐ GhanaWeb

1.6ParticipatingOrganisations

1. PUMNetherlands

2. KisidiConsultancy

3. Teampro

4. ExpatSolutionsGhana

5. Geo‐TechSystemsLtd

6. Tan(BrandCommunications

Consultants)

7. BMDNetwork

8. WorldwideFoodExport

9. EerlijkeKansen

10. BabaAlim&CompanyLimited

11. ProkoGhanaLimited

12. KingKassVentures

13. GlobalMultiMedia

14. SamoraMeatsTradingLtd.,

Akosombo

15. RoyalDutchGlory

16. GhanaWebshopping

17. D.K.BlomHolding

18. GB4All.com


2.0 ProfileofparticipatingCompanies/Projects

2.1ProkoGhanaLimited

Sector:CivilEngineeringandBuildingConstruction

ProkoGhanaLimitedisaGhanaianmulti‐disciplinary

constructionfirmthatprovideshighqualityconstructionworks

atthemostaffordablecostforallitsclients.Ithasastrongteam

ofexperiencedandcomponentquantitysurveyors,architects,

andengineerswithover400welltrainedlabourforce.Proko

GhanaLimitedhasovertwentythreeyearsofexperience.Ithas

avisiontoexpandthroughoutGhanaandthebeyondandit

aimstocompetegloballywithinternationalcontractors

towardsAfricaninfrastructuraldevelopment.Theirbasicaim

forparticipatinginthebusinessfairistoacquiremodern

knowledge,gaininternationalexposureandmeetbusiness

investorswithinNetherlandsandbeyond.

2.2OpenSourceHouse(OS‐HouseGhana)

Sector:RealEstateDevelopment

Thevisionofopensourcehouseistoimprovetheoverallqualityoflifeintheurbanareasandcreateapositiveecologicalfootprintbyprovidingaffordable,modularandsustainablehousingconceptsinGhana.Italsofacilitatesaccesstohousingcreditforbothendusersanddevelopers.ThebusinessmodelofOSHouseGhanaisintheintermediarywhichfacilitatesaccesstoaffordableandsustainablehousingforpeopleintransitionfromlowerincometolowermediaincomeclass.Emphasisisplacedonbeingabletoprovideaffordablehousingthroughthemobilisationofclientgroupsandcommunities;promotionoflocalbuildingmaterials,matchingfinancialinstitutionstolongtermmortgagefunding;landdocumentationassistance;provisionofusercentredbuildingdesignersanddrawings.

TheintentionofOSHouseistointroduceaffordablemortgageproductstomarkets,startapilotwith100housesandscaleupthroughoutGhana.OShouseislookingforbusinessinvestors,longtermfundingformortgageinstitutionsandexpertpartnersthatsupportsontechnicaldevelopment.

Mr.ProsperLedi,ManagingDirector,ProkoGh.Ltd.

Mr.SamuelBiitir,ManagingDirectorOSHouseGhana


2.3BabaAlim&CompanyLimited

Sector:ConstructionandHaulage

BabaAlim&CompanyLimitedisaleadingconstruction

industrybasedinNorthernGhana.Thecompanydealsin

roadconstruction,buildingconstructionandother

businesses.Thecompanyhasavisionofexpandingits

coverageandservicesthroughoutGhanaanditaimsto

becomealeaderintheconstructionsindustrywithinGhana.

Thebasicobjectiveforparticipatinginthebusinessfairwas

tomeetbusinessinvestorsandpartnersandalsolearnabout

themostadvancedformofindustrialtechnologyavailablein

theconstructionindustry.Italsoseekstoexplorebusiness

avenuesandopportunitiesforinvestmentwithintheGhana

andNetherlands.

2.4GhanaWebshopping

Sector:Informationtechnology/Trade

ThiscompanyhasitswarehousebasedinAccraGhana.

Theirbasicobjectiveistoencouragecustomerstohaveeasy

accesstoproductsofgoodsandservicesthroughshopping

ontheinternet.GhanaWebShoppingistheleadingonline

retaileroperatingtheonlineGhanawebretailinGhana.They

havehighdesiretomeetcustomers’satisfactionby

providingthemsecurityfortheirpurchasedproducts.Its

aimistooffereasyandconvenientservicetoclientsand

offermultiplelanguagesandcurrenciesallowingcustomers

tofeelconfidentintheirshoppingexperienceinGhana.

AlhajiBabaAlim,ManagingDirector,BabaAlim&Co.Ltd.

Mr.DirkBloom,Dirctor,GhanaWebShopping


2.4KingKassVentures(Ghana)

Sector:CivilEngineeringandConstruction

KingKassventuresisacivilengineeringcompany.Theydeal

inroadconstructionandboreholedrilling.Theirvisionisto

becomealeadingconstructionindustryby2020andoffer

qualityserviceatanaffordableprice.Theirexpectationfor

participatinginthefairistotransactandpurchase

constructionequipment,developbusinesspartnershipand

explorenewtechnologiesintheconstructionindustry.

2.5SamoraMeatandTradingBusiness(Ghana‐Akosombo)

SamoraMeatandTradingoffersawiderangeoffresh

meatproductsaccompaniedbyawideassortmentof

vegetables,fruitsandbakedproducts.Themaintarget

areaatthemomentisbusinesstobusiness.Lodging

establishmentsandlargefirmsareourprimefocus.They

offerrawmaterialsdomesticallyandlocallywhich

includesmeatproducts,suchassausage,cutsofmeat,

steaks,fillets,hamandbacon.Theyalsoaccompanythis

withawideassortmentofvegetables,fruitsandbaked

goods.Theysourcelocallyleadstoraisetheliving

standardoflivingthroughthetrickledowneffects

employmentsandincreased.Customizedattentionis

giventoeachcustomertoprovidetheirspecificneeds.

Eachproducthasistreatedtopreservemaximum

freshnessandensureinternationalstandardslike

HACCAP,FairtradeandBRC.

AlhajiAlhassanIssahaku,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,KingKassVentures

Mr.AmilcarvanderHorst,Director, SamoraMeatandTrading


2.6Geo‐TechSystemLimited(Ghana)

Sector:LandMappingandSurveying

Geo‐TechSystemsLimitedisaleadingcompanywithexperiencedpersonnel’s.Theyworkwithsophisticatedequipmentsandcuttingedgetechnologiesthroughouttheentirephaseoftheirprojects.Geo‐techservesitscustomerswithawiderangeofmultiplicitygoodsrangingfromgeneralofficeequipmentssurveyingequipmentandgeologicalaccessoriesinanunparallelfashion.Theyalsoprovideotheralliedservicessuchasinstitutionaltraining,capacitybuildinginGeoinformationandlandmanagement.ThefullSurvey&Mappingwasestablishedsince1998,asameansofimprovingcustomerservicesinGeo‐Tech'sengineeringfieldandprovideconsortiumofservicestoclientsinthesub‐regionofWestAfrica.Thiswastoextendtheservicesfromsurveyequipmentsupplytofulltimesurveyingservices.Geo‐TechcontinuestoundertakeprojectsinthefieldofTopographicalSurveying,RoadsandHighwaysSurveys,EarthworkSurveys,GPSandUnderwaterPipelineSurveying,Geo‐Technical,TransmissionlineSurveysandDesign,MiningSurveying,CadastralSurveying,GeneralandEngineeringSurveyingandGroundControlSurveysforphotogrammetricmapping.OuractivitiesalsoextendacrosstheWestCoast.

2.7GlobalMulti‐BusinessCompanyLimited(Ghana)

Sector:InformationTechnologyandTourism

Thevisionofglobalmulti‐mediaistoexpandtoalldistrict

capitalswithinGhanawithinthenextyears. Theydealin

saleandrepairofcomputersaswellastravelandtourism.

Their vision for participating in the business fair to get

business partners and investors in the IT sector and to

undertake travel and tour services for Netherlands

BusinessmenvisitingGhana.

Mr.EmmanuelKwameAwunyo,ManagingDirector

Mr.GeorgeOwusu,C.E.O.GlobalMultiBusinessCo.Ltd.


2.8ExpatSolutionsGhana(ESG)

Sector:RealEstateDevelopment

Expat solution Ghana is a multi‐ facet Ghanaian Dutch Business established in the Ghana. ItprovidesestatehousingtoGhanaiansandexpats.Theyalsoprovideservicesontravellingandtourism.

2.9EerlijkeKansen

Sector:BambooBicyclesproducedlocallyinGhanaandsoldintheNetherlands

EerlijkeKansenofferstheEerlijkeKansenEcoBikeframemade

of bamboo. The purpose of using the bamboo is because it is

strong compared to steel, and light. Bamboo also makes the

framesstiffandecofriendlyandusefulrenewableresourceon

the planet. During productionno CO2 is being produced (like

during the production of steel and aluminium) but CO2 is

reduced and Oxygen is produced. The advantage of the

EerlijkeKansen power tools are that it does not corrode like

steel and aluminium and the frames can be almost without

electricalpowertools.

2.10WorldwideFoodExport(Netherlands)Sector:ImportandExportCompany

Worldwidefoodexport isanexternalexportservicescompany

inthefoodandbeveragesmarket.Itprovidesaffordablequality

products and aim to connect markets, suppliers and clients

worldwide. It provides a long lasting sustainable business

relationsandamodernworkingwayofworking inachanging

world. It offers standardisation of specifications and

requirementsandprovidesfasterexchangeandbetteraccessto

information. It provides more communication methods and

ensures a reduction of sea transport cost and its complexities.

Thecompanyisstrategicallyoperationalindifferentcontinents

and countries such as the United State of America, Europe,

China,Africa,BrazilandIndia.

InthecaseofGhana,themainproductsof interestarecanned

sardines, wine, energy drink, oatflakes, pasta, non‐alcoholic

sparkling drinks, canned juices (oranges and pineapple),

biscuits,yogurts,UHTMilkandmanymore.

Mr.JoepvanGinderen,Kansenmakelaar

Mr.MarcelRentrop,CommercialDirector,Worldwidefoodexport


2.11RoyalDutchGlory(Ghana)Sector:ConstructionManagement

TheRoyalDutchGloryCompanyLimitedisaGhanaianbasedcompanyownedbyaDutch.The

companyisanationwideGhanaianconstructionfirmthataimstocreatejobsforthepeopleof

Ghana. Their basic objective is to support in the economic growth of Ghana through the

provisionofbetterlivingstandardforthelessprivilegepeopleandtohelpthegovernmentto

putupwithanaffordablehousingunit thatsuits theneedsof theordinaryGhanaiancitizens,

civilservantsandteacherswithinGhana.

2.12BMDNetwork(Netherlands)

Sector:Consultancy

BMDNetwork is a consultancy firm that adds value to interactions between individuals and

organizations.Professionalandpersonaldevelopment in individuals, teamsandorganizations

areour inspiration.Theorganisationputservicessuchasconsulting,coachingand training in

the broad field of organizational development, Human Resource Management and Welfare

(WMO). It offers training on office organisation, policy development, coaching and interim

management.

2.13KasidiConsulting(Netherlands)

Sector:Consultancy

ThisisaconsultancyfirmdirectlyinchargeofMatchmaking,

project Development and Implementation. The consultancy

alsodevelopBusinessPlanandgivesFinanceadvise.Itworks

on subsidies under no cure , no pay plus commitment fee.

Meaning that applicants can have their business plans

submitted for them but once the business plan financial

funds is not approved, it does not need to pay for the

consulting.Otherareaoffocusof forKasidiConsultingison

capacitybuildingofenterpreneurs.

Mr.FransWitterman


2.14GB4All.com/Susar(BasedinNijmegen,TheNetherlands)

Sector:HousingandConstruction,CityPlanning&Agriculture

GB4All.comisacontructionfirmwhichcomprisesofarchtectsinchargeofhousingdesignand

contruction, shops, schoolsandhospitals.TheyworkwithinAfricaby giving techicalbuilding

assistance through local labour anddoingothermajor installations such as tanks, foundation

and terraces. On the international market, they provide high quality unit and integrated

technigues necessary for consturction purposes. The approach to work of GB4All.com is self

sufficient, modular and affordable. They offer autarky, free energy and water, and modern

comfort. The firmmakes very good use of the natural resources by developing solar panels

through the use of light energy from the sun. It also collect rain water and saves into their

designedtanksanduseafilteringsystemwhichmakesthewaterdrinkableandwaterusefulfor

shower,washingandcooking.Again,GB4All.comalsousenaturalgasestoproducegas/energy

whichcanbeused forcooking.Theyareexpertsandhavemasterplanwhicharesustainable.

Otherareasofexpertiseincludefisheries,poultry,forestryandagriculture.

2.15NationalHealthInsuranceScheme(NetherlandsandGhana)

Sector:HealthCareforGhanaianmigrantsabroadandtheirfamiliesincountriesoforigin

TheNationalHealthInsuranceSchemeisaninsuranceproductintroducedbythegovernmentof

Ghanatoabolishtheexistingcashandcarrysystem.Thebasicgoalof theNHIS is topromote

basichealthcareforallGhanaians.Theinsuranceproductcomesintwopackages,namely:

a. The National Health Insurance for the Diaspora: This provides Ghanaianmigrants an

opportunitytotakecareofthemselvesandtheirrelativesbackhome.Withthisservice,

theDiasporaGhanaiancommunitycanhaveaccesstobasichealthcarewhilesinGhana.

Also Ghanaianmigrants can support by contributing in the payment of premiums for

relativesbackhome.

b. TheNationalHealthinsuranceforthedisabledpersonsinGhana:Disabledpersonsare

themostvulnerableinsocietybecauseoftheirimpairments.Mostdisabledpersonslack

financialmeanstoprovidefortheirbasicneeds.Withthisproduct,Ghanaianmigrants

and other migrant institutions can contribute to support the vulnerable indigent in

Ghanathroughtheprovisionofbasichealthcare.

The benefit under the NHIS insurance scheme is that it cost only 25 for thewhole year and

childrenwith registered parents can be registered for free. Moreover the insurance product

covers 95% of diseases that afflict Ghanaianswhich includemalaria, breast cancer, surgical

operations, maternal health care, among many others. This project is being implemented in

partnershipwithAfroEuroFoundation, theBantamaMutualHealth Insurance Scheme,Ghana

AssociationoftheDeafandtheGhanaFederationoftheDisabled.


2.16FoodSecurityProject(NetherlandsandGhana)

Sector:MigrationandDevelopment

This project is aimed at ensuring food security through

soybeanandmaizeproductionfortheyouthandwomenin

thepoorest regionswithinGhana.The long termobjective

oftheFoodsecurityproject istoenablewomenandyouth

acquire agricultural training and farming inputs. It

promotes an idea of self employability as a means of

reducing poverty and improving the standard of living of

the poorest community. The project is implemented

through increasing farmers’ access to credit loans and

financial literacy training.Farmers’access tocredit facility

is enhanced through the mobilization of migrants’

remittanceswhichisseenasshareholdingsintheproject.

Thefoodsecurityprojectcreatesanintegratedvaluechain

in food securityby connecting access to financial services,

building capacity of agricultural farmers andworkers and

providing sustainable agricultural food production. The

majorstakeholdersofthisprojectareAfroEuroFoundation,

GhanaianMigrantsinNetherlandsandOxfamNovib.

2.17AfroEuroHiLiteMagazine(Netherlands)

Sector:Communications/OnlineMagazine

TheAfroEuroHiLitemagazinecreatesaplatformforpoliticalandeconomicdiscussions,

insightsanddebatesofissuesfromanAfricanmigrantperspective.Itcreatesanawarenessand

linksculturesthroughthebridgingofgapsandthebreakingofmisconceptionsandstereotypes.

TheHiLitemagazinebuildsrelationshipsandsharesknowledgethroughinstructing,educating,

andempoweringmakingtheAfricantofeelathomeandgivingthemavoice.Itaimstocreate

leadersandpavewayfortheirsuccess.Fivegoodreasonswhyallshouldadvertiseonthe

AfroEuroHiLiteMagazineare:

It enhances access to the niche of themarket, enabling them to speak directly topeoplefromAfricanDiasporaeverysingleminutethroughadvertisements.

It has a larger target audience, with much emphasis on young professionals andpolicymakers.

It gives the Individual / Organisation an opportunity to control their ads throughimprovisingandcampaignsstrategies.

Mr. Vincent Gambrah, ManagingDirector,AfroEuroFoundation


Itiscosteffectivewhichmeanstheclientgetstopaylessbygainsmorebyreachingalargeraudiencewithinashortertimeframe.

Theonlineadvertisingismuchfasterthanothermediums.

AfroEuroFoundationisthemainstakeholderoftheAfroEuroHiLiteMagazine.

3.0Workshops

3.1DoingBusinessinGhana

TeamproisanInternationalconsultancywhichadvicesAfrican

companiesondoingbusinesswithDutchandEuropean

organizations.ItassistsDutchandEuropeancompaniesin

exploringtheAfricanmarkets,andencouragestradeand

investmentsbetweenAfricanandEuropeanparties.Teampro

alsoprovidescrucialinformationtorealizebusiness

opportunitiesandstreamlinetheeconomiccooperation.

Teamprooffersorganizationoftrademissionsandinvestment

seminars,mediationinDutchandEUsubsidies,funds,and

program,matchmakingandpartnersearch,marketsurveys

andresearch,feasibilitystudiesandbusinessplans,and

businessAdvisory.TeamproworkswithinAfrica.Asa

consultancyitencouragestraderelationsbetweenAfrican

companiesandtheircounterpartsinEurope.

MovingontodiscussthegeneralstatisticsofGhana,the

countryhasanoverallpopulationof24.791.073(est.2011),

withapopulationof1.822%(est.2011).Thelifeexpectancyof

Ghanaiansisandanoveralllabourforceof10.56million.The

majorcitieswithinGhanaareAccraandKumasiandaGDPper

capitaof$1600(est.2010).Thepopulationbelowpovertyline

is28.5%(2007).

Aftergivingoutsomefactsandfiguresincomparativeterms

betweenGhana,Sub‐saharanAfricanandNetherlands,Drs.

Tokluthenproceededtodiscusssomefactsandopportunities

linkedtoinvestmentintheNetherlandsandEurope.She

explainsthatbusinesswithinNetherlandshavefeaturesof

intensivetechnology,highrateofindustrialmarketand

knowledge,strictlegislation,highrateofcompetitionandlow

acquaintancewithAfricanbusinesses.Shefurtherexplains

thatunliketheNetherlandsandotherEuropeancompanies,

businessesintheAfricaandinGhanalooksforavailable

Presentationby:Drs.IngRichealToklu(ManagingDirector‐Teampro)


investmentopportunitiesbutoftenthereislowlevelof

industrialknowledgeandmayneedtechnicalassistance

andcapacitybuilding.Sheaddsthat,duetotheunstable

politicalterrainwithinmostAfricancountries,thelackof

accountabilityandtransparencyoftengivesAfrican

businessesanegativeimagewhichexplainswhythey

becomemostunacquaintedwithEuropeanbusinesses.

Again,DrsToklugavesomefewpracticalstepstobusiness

menandinvestorswhohaveinterestindoingbusinessin

Ghana.Somefthetipshighlightedincludebeingawareof

theculturaldifferencesbetweenNetherlandsandGhana,

findingagoodpartnerthroughrecommendationby

someoneyouknowandtrust,donotbaseyourbusiness

modelonestablishing“specialrelationships”withpower‐

Thisisjustalogicalcontinuationoftheprevioustip.Ifyour

businessisgoodforthecountryinwhichyouworkthen

youwillsucceed.IfyouwishtodobusinessinAfrica,

respectthelawandthelocalcustomsanddonotget

involvedinpolitics.Ofcourseitmaybebeneficialtobuild

goodrelationshipswithinfluentialpeople–asinany

country–butthepointisyoucannotbasethesuccessof

yourbusinessonthis.Itisalsoimportanttogaina

thoroughgroundinginthelegalandcontractualaspectsof

doingbusinessinGhana.

Sheendsdiscussionbygivingoutreasonswhyinvestors

shouldputGhanaontheirprofilelistinAfrica.Sheexplains

thatGhanaisoneofthemostpoliticallystabilizedcountries

inthesub‐regionofWestAfrica.Thecountryhasadvanced

Infrastructure,favorableforeigninvestmentlaws,friendly

businesscorporatetax,stablemacro‐economic

performance(e.g.GDP,inflation),repatriationofprofits

(100%),developedfinancialandbankingindustry,

competitiveworkforce(humancapital),lowbusinessstart

upcost.


3.2IntEntEntrepreneurshipDevelopmentinGhana

Mr. Richard Yeboah began his presentation by giving an

overall profile of Intent. He explains that IntEnt was

founded in1996 with a total of 18 employees. He

discussed that since its implementation, 350 companies

have been started with about 1.000 jobs created and a

totalof€15millionhasbeeninvestedintheproject.

Thereafter, he moves on to discuss that InteEnt work

throughSmallandMediumScaleEnterpriseDevelopment

using the modular approach, its gives support and

assistance to (Diaspora) entrepreneurs, and also offers

support andassistance after a start upphase.He further

discuss that so far the key programme countries for

project implementation are Turkey, Ethiopia, Sierra

Leone,Morocco,Afghanistan,Surinam,CapeVerde,Ghana

and Curacao. Again Intent is also very active in

other countries such as Angola, Burundi, Liberia and

EasternEurope.

Inaddition,MrYeboahexplainsthattheapproachtowork

for IntEnt under European Union is to create awareness

andgiveanentrepreneurialeducationwhilesforthosein

developing countries Intent creates the awareness, then

givesalso entrepreneurial education andentrepreneurial

guidance.

LastlyMrRichardYeboahendshisspeechbyencouraging

the Business fair participants to fill in and submit an

applicationformtotheprogrammesiftheyareinterested

inany.HeendshisspeechwithaverywisesayingbyAndy

Warhol which quotes “They say that time changes

things,but youactuallyhave to change them yourself

….”

After his presentation, delegates were given the

opportunity to ask questions on any theme under

discussiononwhichtheyneededfurtherclarification.

PresentationbyRichardYeboah(Msc)


3.3 Presentation by PUM Netherlands

PUMisoneofthelargestagenciesforthedeploymentof

professionalvolunteersanditplaysamajorroleinthe

privatesectorofmostdevelopingcountriesandemerging

markets.TheorganisationwasfoundedbytheDutch

governmentin1978anditisanaffiliateoftheDutch

employersassociationVNO/NCW.

PUMNetherlandsSeniorExpertshasoverthirtyyearsof

experienceinadvisingbusinessesandconsultsinalmost

everyareaimaginable:Fromlogisticstowelding

techniques,andfromthehotel&cateringtradeto

carpentry.PUMhasanetworkcomprisingsome3,200

volunteers(knownasseniorexperts),whichexecutes

over2,000projectsworldwideonanannualbasis.These

expertsusetheextensiveknowledgeandexperiencethat

theyhaveaccumulatedduringthecourseoftheircareers

toadviseentrepreneursinsomeseventynations

throughouttheworld.Themainstrengthofthisapproach

isthattheexpertsofferone‐to‐oneadvice.

PUMgrantspreferencetolocalcompaniesanditbelievesthatensuringasustainable

developmentoftheprivatesectoristhebestwaytofightpoverty.Itspolicyispracticaland

business‐like:helpingsmallandmedium‐sizedbusinessesstandontheirowntwofeetismore

effectivethantheorisingandmoralising.PUMonlyprovideshelpinresponsetospecified

requests:itworksdirectlyandcost‐effectively.Thismethodhasprovedtobeextremely

successfulandhascreatedagreatdealofgoodwill.TheideabehindPUMwasquitesimple:

companiesandinstitutionsindevelopingcountriescanbenefitfromwesternorganisationaland

managementskills.TheNetherlandshaslargenumbersof(senior)expertswhoarewillingto

offertheirservicesandskillsfreeofcharge.Theideawas,andstillis,asuccess.

PUMofferstrainingandconsultancyadvicetocompaniesindevelopingcountriesand

interestedcompaniesonlyneedtofilltheapplicationformandsubmititatitsofficein

Netherlands.Companiesthatreceiveapprovalforconsultancyservicesdonotneedtopayfor

airticket/travelcostofconsultants.Theywouldonlyneedtopayforaccommodationfora

maximumofthreeweeksandfeedingfortheconsultantswhooffersfreeadviceduringthe

periodthetraveltothehostcompany.

MuchmorewassaidabouttheactivitiesofPUMandmostoftheparticipantsfoundthe

operationsofPUMveryinterestingandusefulforbusinessentrepreneurs.Therewasa

prolongeddiscussionafterthepresentationonissuesofinteresttoparticipants.

PresentationMr.PeterMoen,PUMNetherlands,


3.4PSIDetailInformation:Do’sandDon’ts

The Private Sector Investment programme(PSI)

provides 50% grant funding (subsidies) for investment

projects that bring new economic development in 50

targeted countries. The goal of PSI is to promote

sustainable economic development, stimulate innovative

pilot investments indevelopingcountries and contribute

to poverty reduction through the creation of economic

activity,employmentandbetterincome.

ThebasicPSIcharacteristicsare investmentprojectwith

clear commercial potential, executed by a foreign

companyincooperationwitha localcompany(incaseof

Ghana),hardware(machineryinaproductionprocess,for

example), technical assistance (training, project

management, etc.), innovative for the respective country/region and reduces the risk for the

companiesthatmakethisinvestment.

OtherrequirementsunderPSIare thatcompanieshavea strategic interest in theprojectand

aim at long term cooperation, investments after project period, commercially Viable +

significantPositive Impacton local economy in termsof employment, incomeandknowledge

transfer, corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): PSI projects must be trendsetters in the

country/sector.

TheestimatedbudgetunderPSIrangesbetween€0.3millionand€1.5million.Partnersmust

beabletofund50%oftheprojectbudgetthemselves,aswellasworkingcapitalduringproject

implementation.Budgetcannotincludethepurchaseofland,buildingsorinvestmentsalready

ongoing,norcanitincludeoperational(recurrent)expenses.Typically70‐80%ishardwareand

20‐30%technicalassistance.

3.5Challengesentrepreneursfaceatworkandhowtodealwithit.

Aspartoftheworkshops,therewasanopenforumforfairparticipantstodiscusssomeofthe

mainproblemsencounteredatworkandhowtodealwith it.Someof theconcernsdiscussed

includeinadequatecirculationofinformationwithintheworkplace,mistrustamongemployees,

lack of delegation among some entrepreneurs, weak labour laws and unqualified personnel

hired to do the job. In dealingwith theproblem, participants suggested theneed to delegate

withintheworkforce.Itisalsoimportanttoexaminethecapabilitiesofthosehiredtoperform

the task, motivate and appreciate staff contributions and performance, doing away with

tribalismandpractising theChinesemodel. It is also important tokeep theoperational team

wellinformedabouttheactivitiesoftheorganisation.Thismeansitmaybeimportanttohavea

periodicmeetings and frequentmanagement training to upgrade the skills andknowledgeof

theworkforce.

PresentationbyMr.FransWitterman(KasaidiConsulting)


SomeSharedPhotosfromtheBusiness

Thepicturesbelowaresomeofthehighlightsofeventsduringthebusinessfair.


4.0OtherActivities

Within thetwodays,delegateswereservedwithbothDutchandGhanaiandishes.Theywere

served with lunch, snacks and refreshment after program. After the two days business fair,

delegates fromGhanaweresent round todifferentcompanieswithinUtrecht,Rotterdamand

The Hague. Delegates often visited any company that opened its door to them andwelcome

themtoexploreopportunitiesavailabletothem.Theirinterestsweretoexploretheindustrial

market andexaminebusinessopportunities inwhich theycan invest in.Theyalso looked for

businessinvestorsandpartnerswithwhichtheycouldcollaboratewithtomaketheirbusiness

grow. Those with background in the construction industry explored how they can get

constructionequipmentstopurchaseandotherpossiblebusinessventureswithinwhichthey

candiversifyand invest in. Itwasawonderfulexerciseandagreatexperienceasmostof the

delegatehadtheopportunitytovisitsitesandestablishimportantcontactsthatmaybeuseful

totheirnetwork.

4.1Accommodation

For thedelegates that attended the fair fromGhana, some contactedAfroEuroFoundation to

booktheirhotelaccommodationforthem.Averymoderatehotel,named“NordzeeHotel”was

selected.ThehotelislocatedinaveryniceneighbourhoodwithinTheHague,Scheveningin,and

walkingdistancefromthebeach.Ithasinternetfacilityandprovidesdelegateswithbreakfast.

5.0Challenges

Someofthemajorchallengesencounteredinthebusinessfairinclude:

LowparticipationofwomenentrepreneursbothfromGhanaandinNetherlands

Refusalofvisa’s toother registered companies inGhanaby theDutchEmbassy led to

lowerparticipationrate.

Since it was the first time ever such an event was being organised, there was lower

responseofDutchcompaniesinparticipatinginthefair.

Lowerrateofpartnershipthanexpectedinthebusinessfair.


5.1Evaluation

The business fair participants were given the chance to evaluate the programme after

completion.Therewerediverseopinionsobtainedthroughthisexercise.Theoverall turnover

rateforthefairwasabitlowerthanexpectedasmostoftheDutchcompaniesdidnotturnup

forthebusinessfair.Thismaybeattributedtothefactthattheorganisingofthebusinessfair

startedratherlateandmostofthecompaniesthatshowedinterestinthefairfromGhanawere

also refused visa by the Royal Dutch Embassy in Ghana. This leaves important lesson to the

organising team that in future preparation towards such an important event needs to begin

muchearlier.Whatmostdelegates likedabout thebusiness fairwas the interactivenatureof

thefairanditwaswonderfulfordelegatesastheywereabletoexpressthemselvesandshare

experienceswithotherexperiencedcolleaguesandbusinessmindedpersonnelthatshowedup

for the fair. A suggestion was also made by the delegates that since it is a development

programme, the government of Ghana and the Dutch government needs to invest in the

programmeandmarketittodrawmoreattentionofthepublicandprivateinvestorssincesuch

aninitiativeleadstosocioeconomicdevelopment.

6.0Conclusion

Inconclusion,thebusinessfairwasaveryfruitfulexerciseasitgaveallregisteredparticipants

anopportunitytosharetheirwork,sharetheirexperiencesandlearnfromothers.Itwasagreat

opportunitytonetworkandmeetbusinessexpertsandconsultantswhocanadvise,guideand

directbusinessmenandwomenwhoneedsadditionalentrepreneurialguidanceabouttheirjob.

Although small,we believe that this is a very small and simple step to the achievement of a

muchgreatergoaltowardsthesocio‐economicdevelopmentofGhanaandAfricaasawhole.Itis

aninitiativethatneedstheoverallsupportandencouragementofthoseinboththepublicand

private sector as it encourages entrepreneurial spirits and business partnership between

GhanaianandDutchcompanies.

netherlands ghana business fair -...

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