Tim Spaans

@DutchMFA | Trade Facilitation and Regional Markets | #trade | Aid, Trade & Investment | Private Sector Development |

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

@ITCnews , @CBI_NL & @DutchMFA engaged with partners that work on systems change in Ghana's cocoa👨🏾‍🌾🍫 and digital tech sector👩🏽‍💻. Frontrunners challenge status quo + push boundaries; creating impact by adding value at origin, creating jobs + driving #sustainability transitions.

[Netherlands Embassy in Kenya @NLinKenya]

Fresh produce can be collected in the consolidation center and packed into reefer containers, keeping the products cool. Flowers are kept fresh to survive the long journey on sea thanks to innovative ways of treating and packaging them.

[Netherlands Embassy in Kenya @NLinKenya]

Celebrating Sustainable Trade!

King Willem-Alexander & Queen Máxima toured Naivasha ICD, exploring innovations in sustainable agrologistics - cold storage, flower prep for seafreight & trade solutions. Shifting from air ✈️to sea cuts CO2, lowers costs & boosts exports! 🌍🚢

[TradeMark Africa @TradeMarkAfrica]

The Netherlands is a significant supporter of our work, and Dutch companies are major investors in Kenya and East Africa. The Netherlands is also Kenya’s largest trading partner in the EU and a top three global trade partner. In 2023, Kenya exported $706 million worth of goods to the Netherlands—a 4.84% annual increase from $557 million five years earlier in 2018. Dutch companies are also among Kenya’s top foreign investors, with significant contributions in horticulture, petroleum, logistics, and tea sectors.

The commitment by the Netherlands to support trade and economic development in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region, aligns with Team Europe's approach of strengthening regional cooperation and scaling up innovative trade facilitation programmes.

[TradeMark Africa @TradeMarkAfrica]

Today, we had the honour of hosting Their Majesties, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD). The visit reaffirmed the strong trade partnership between Kenya and the Netherlands and the support by the Netherlands through TradeMark Africa to implement initiatives for reducing trade barriers, and lowering the time and cost of doing business.

Our Deputy CEO, @AllenAsiimwe1, showcased our trade facilitation work along the Northern Corridor. She highlighted initiatives that have reduced cross-border trade times and costs and created a conducive environment for export and import businesses, including:
✅ Addressing non-tariff barriers to ease cross-border trade in Africa
✅ Digitalisation of trade facilitation systems to enhance efficiency, transparency and predictability in trade transactions
✅ Greening the Port of Mombasa with renewable energy and e-mobility initiatives
✅ Supporting efforts for sustainable exports, with a programme focused on transitioning horticultural exports to Europe from air to sea freight.

https://t.co/zy8kwcROFy

[International Trade Centre (ITC) @ITCnews]

In Ghana, agri-tech startups & agribusinesses are working to improve traceability, financing & adapt to climate change. 🌱

Our Netherlands-funded programme connects startups & farmers on field trips to co-create solutions. 👉 https://t.co/CuwEz1Gl1u

[TradeMark Africa @TradeMarkAfrica]

🚀 The countdown is on—just 4 days to go until the Africa Trade Development Forum (#ATDF2024)! 🌍

We are excited to explore digital trade and innovative solutions that are transforming Africa’s trade and investment environment.

Did you know? Uganda’s Electronic Single Window system delivered $26 million in cost savings by traders and reduced transactions for linked government agencies by 45% in 2021. This is the power of automation and innovation—timesaving, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Join us at the #ATDF2024 in Kigali, where we will dive deeper into the insights, the experiences and forward-looking trends for improving Africa’s standing in the global trade environment. Be part of the conversations by signing up for accreditation here: https://t.co/0HUC6jj63s

#OneAfricaOneMarket #DigitalTrust #TrustInTrade #Ecommerce #NewFundingModels #TheFutureforPolicy #DigitalTrust #DrivingInclusion #Sustainability #DigitalAfrica

[Netherlands Embassy in Kenya @NLinKenya]

🇳🇱 Welcome back to Nairobi @timothyspaans!

For the next 2.5 months, he'll be joining the Trade & Investment team at the Embassy, focusing on the cool chain logistics program along the Northern Corridor. Typically, he works at the @DutchMFA on private sector development.

[International Trade Centre (ITC) @ITCnews]

Navigating EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation Compliance?

Our new checklist breaks down the key considerations when choosing the right tools. 🔍 Learn about the tools & tech solutions available to ensure you're compliant. https://t.co/bODl8HqkR0

#EUDR #EuropeanUnion

[Ahmed Farah HSC @AhmedFarah__]

Today, @TradeMarkAfrica Kenya Country Programme held its 51st National Oversight Committee meeting, which provided a platform to discuss the progress of ongoing initiatives and the impact of completed projects

Read more https://t.co/lfYpwGCiOr

[International Trade Centre (ITC) @ITCnews]

Can agri-tech save the day? African farmers are counting on it to comply with new EU Deforestation Regulation & keep their products on European shelves.

We're providing technical assistance & training to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. 🔗 https://t.co/78DVYlUupH

[International Trade Centre (ITC) @ITCnews]

We continue with our #TradeForum Expert Series, this time with a joint ITC - @DutchMFA piece showing our long-standing partnership, making the transition to a sustainable, green, and digital future work for #SmallBusinesses.

For more details ⬇We continue with our #TradeForum Expert Series, this time with a joint ITC - @DutchMFA piece showing our long-standing partnership, making the transition to a sustainable, green, and digital future work for #SmallBusinesses.

For more details ⬇We continue with our #TradeForum Expert Series, this time with a joint ITC - @DutchMFA piece showing our long-standing partnership, making the transition to a sustainable, green, and digital future work for #SmallBusinesses.

For more details ⬇️

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

Nice to meet face-to-face! 🎉 Great pleasure to welcome @ITCnews tech programme managers from 🇧🇯🇪🇹🇬🇭🇸🇳🇺🇬 today at @DutchMFA 🌍✨ We discussed the future of digital tech in #Africa. Stay tuned for updates on our collaboration! #Tech #DigitalTransformation #GlobalPartnerships

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

Today’s inspiring meetup with young Mozambican entrepreneurs from @OrangeCorners at @NLinMozambique! @DutchMFA supporting #youth to start & grow their business📈, becoming our future trading partners! 🇳🇱🤝🇲🇿

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

Reflecting on #Aid4Trade conference at the @wto, I was honored to be a panelist discussing the shift from air to sea freight🌍 This transition is pivotal for sustainable trade, reducing costs & carbon footprints. Excited about the potential for greener🌱more efficient logistics!

[Martin LABBE @martinrlabbe]

@AkosuaAnnobil at the @ITCnews 60th anniversary ceremony talking about the exponential impact of digital in healthcare, education, financial services and agriculture, with startups like @farmerline changing trade 2 change lives.

#NTF5Tech, in partnership with @NLinGeneva

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

Exciting to see both @KuapaKokoo🧑🏾‍🌾 and Chocoluv🍫 from Ghana 🇬🇭 sharing their stories on main stage of @wto #Aid4Trade forum 💪🏾 @ITCnews supports both succesful organisations under Netherlands Trust Fund programme -funded by @DutchMFA 🇳🇱, focussing on green sustainable trade 🌱📈

[International Trade Centre (ITC) @ITCnews]

On this #MSMEDay, we recognize the backbone of our economies: #SmallBusiness.

From job creation to innovation, they drive local and global progress.

Cheers to their hard work and determination!

More details 👉 https://t.co/7lCB95atW4

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

Great to see @TradeMarkAfrica together with @jumuiya and national partners (e.g @URAuganda and @KRACorporate) showcasing innovative digital solutions at @wto #AidforTrade conference that enhance intra-regional trade 💪🏾🌍

[Tim Spaans @timothyspaans]

⚠️Bridging the gap between technical solutions and practical implementation for farmers is crucial and often looked over.⚠️ More efforts are needed to reach local adaptation to ensure innovations truly meet needs! 🌱📈 #Agriculture #Innovation #Adoptation

[WTO @wto]

@FAODG @FAO @MbargaAtangana1 @sachinaug13 Susan Ndung’u: Women and the poor are the most vulnerable. The problem now is that most solutions to food security exist at a global level and don't reach farmers. She introduced some practical ways to help small farmers try new seeds and find markets. #Aid4Trade

[TradeMark Africa @TradeMarkAfrica]

A Can't-Miss Live Event at the @WTO #Aid4Trade. Live
demonstration of #RECTS @Jumuiya Customs all from Mombasa
Port @Kenya_Ports #EACInnovation