Paper: Reframing Africa

Africa is often discussed through a narrow lens: crises, constraints, or dependency. That lens is outdated. Africa is a continent of 54 countries with diverse political and economic contexts and strong demographic and entrepreneurial momentum. Its choices and capabilities will shape global markets, climate resilience, supply chains, health security, and digital futures. For Europe and the Netherlands, the question is no longer whether Africa matters, but how we engage for mutual benefit.

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Collaboration

This paper reframes Europe–Africa collaboration as a partnership of equals and reciprocity. It argues for a move from donor–recipient thinking toward reciprocal collaboration grounded in shared interests, value creation, and long-term investment in ecosystems.

The purpose is practical for both Africa and Europe: to unlock business opportunities, strengthen competitiveness and strategic autonomy, and accelerate societal impact. When collaboration is built on reciprocity, it is more sustainable.

Three facts make the opportunity urgent

Africa will be home to 2 billion people by 2050, over one-fifth of humanity, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce.
Africa’s economic growth is projected to accelerate, driven by agriculture, technology, and services, alongside a rapidly expanding middle class.
Africa holds approximately 30% of global mineral reserves, including resources essential for the green and digital transitions worldwide.

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Meet the authors

Mathilde Miedema

Program Director
Yvette Fleming

Senior Consultant
Iris Kaliën

Researcher
Peter Paul van ’t Veen

Business Developer

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Reframing Africa: huge opportunity for business, innovation and impact for Europe-Africa collaboration

Informatietype:: Insight

18 June 2026

From donor–recipient to strategic partnership: TNO works with Africa through reciprocal, long-term collaboration to unlock business opportunities and societal impact.

over Reframing Africa: huge opportunity for business, innovation and impact for Europe-Africa collaboration