Young Experts West-Africa Welcomed by B2B Matchmaking

11-06-2021

Young Experts West-Africa Welcomed by B2B Matchmaking

On Friday 28th of  May, GNBCC organized a Business 2 Business Matchmaking with the Young Expert Programme (YEP). Over 26 Young Experts came together in Accra, all working along the lines of agrofood and/or water in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin & Ghana. The event was hosted by the Netherlands Embassy and everyone was warmly welcomed at the Netherlands Ambassador’s Residence on a sunny Friday morning.

The Young Expert Programme offers the opportunity to young Dutch professionals to gain experience abroad and offers young local professionals the opportunity to gain experience with working in an international environment through Dutch organisations. Companies such as GNBCC, Beyond Beans, Safi Sana, Witteveen + Bos and MDF West Africa already created Young Experts positions within their organisations. Many Young Experts remain working with their organisation, long after their YEP has ended due to their positive experience.

The Matchmaking was the start of the Young Expert Programme Intervision Weekend in Accra. These regional Intervision weekends provide the Young Experts the opportunity to exchange knowledge with peers on both their sector(s) and their professional/personal development. The Intervision Weekend West-Africa was organized by YEP alumni Anna van Roekel (Beyond Beans) and Ileen Wilke (GNBCC).

The Matchmaking was opened by a lively speech of H.E. Ron Strikker, who welcomed the Young Experts and emphasized how important these regional networks are. He encouraged the young professionals to stay curious and cherish the connections they make while crafting their career. Afterwards, the policy officers Agriculture, WASH and Trade from the Netherlands Embassy gave an impressive overview of their activities in Ghana. To kick-start the matchmaking, the Young Experts introduced themselves and their line of work. Afterwards, everyone moved to the back of the garden for the 4 rounds of speed dating .

Over 20 organizations joined to meet the Young Experts and find more about their experience working in their designated countries. GNBCC was happy to see 13 members join the Matchmaking. It turned out to be an interactive morning where many business cards and insights were exchanged. Both the organisations participating as well as  the Young Experts were excited and the air was filled with positive vibes. The matchmaking was concluded with a lovely lunch on the terrace of the Residence. Afterwards, the Young Experts travelled to Stone Lodge for the rest of the YEP Weekend filled with dynamic group sessions, training and a visit to Shai Hills Resource Reserve.

Pictures by Reach Marketing Ghana

Want to know more about the Young Expert Programme (YEP)? Find more information on https://www.yepprogrammes.com/ or get in touch with Ileen of  GNBCC at email:  ileen@gnbcc.net

 

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