CBL ACP

🌍 Celebrating 30 Years of South African Democracy. On December 3rd, 2024, the CBL ACP President, Jacques Massart, had the privilege of participating in a landmark event at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. This occasion celebrated South Africa's three decades of democracy while unveiling promising trade and investment opportunities in the Republic of South Africa. The event brought together a distinguished panel, including H.E. Ms. Tokozile Xasa, South Africa’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU; Dr. Rachel Morake; Prof. Peter Schelkens; and other notable speakers. Discussions highlighted South Africa’s economic potential, key business opportunities, and the country's role as a gateway to Africa. A dynamic panel discussion was followed by a vibrant networking reception in the Nelson Mandela Hall, offering attendees invaluable connections with influential stakeholders, industry leaders, and potential partners. At the heart of this event was the commitment of CBL ACP to fostering meaningful collaborations between Belgium, Luxembourg, and South Africa, reflecting our shared dedication to innovation, growth, and sustainability. 🎯 Whether you're looking to explore South Africa’s green economy, digital transformation, or agribusiness opportunities, the CBL ACP provides a powerful platform for businesses to connect and thrive. Join us in our mission to drive economic partnerships and make impactful changes in global markets. #CBLACP #EconomicDiplomacy #SouthAfrica #30YearsOfDemocracy #TradeAndInvestment #GlobalPartnerships #Sustainability #VUB

As we close 2024, we celebrate a year marked by the 60th anniversary of our chamber and achievements of our entrepreneurs—visionaries whose passion and perseverance continue to drive growth and innovation. CBL ACP remains steadfast in its mission to empower you, our members, with the tools, networks, and opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of progress, and we take immense pride in being your trusted partner in unlocking new horizons for your businesses. With 2025 on the horizon, we are filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. The chamber is committed to building on our successes, expanding possibilities, and fostering an environment where your ambitions can flourish. May this festive season bring you renewed energy, inspiration, and the confidence to reach new milestones in the year ahead. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Warmest wishes, The CBL ACP Team #CBLACP #HolidaySeason #Greetings #MembersFirst #Wishes #Business #ACP #Entrepreneurs #YearEnd #Belgium #Luxembourg #Africa #Caribbean #Pacific

Strengthening ties between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo. AWEX and HUB Brussels organized impactful economic missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in October 2024, fostering stronger economic partnerships. On December 20th, the CBL ACP had the honour of attending an exclusive debriefing luncheon hosted by His Excellency Christian Ndongala Nkuku, Ambassador of the DRC to Belgium. This event brought together the CBL ACP Vice-President Manon Kizizié and President Jacques Massart with key representatives from AWEX , HUB Brussels, FlT and the entrepreneurs who participated in the missions. It was a valuable moment to strengthen international relations, foster collaboration, and explore new opportunities for business growth and innovation between Belgium and the DRC. In his speech, Ambassador Christian Ndongala Nkuku emphasized the vast investment potential in his country. Additionally, a government representative highlighted the urgent need to invest in social housing to meet the growing demand in Kinshasa. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue and trust that the DRC’s efforts to transform these opportunities into tangible projects will inspire and attract strong partnerships for shared growth. #DRC #Belgium #EconomicMissions #Diplomacy #BusinessGrowth #InvestmentOpportunities #InternationalCollaboration Jacques Massart Manon Kizizié Christian Ndongala Nkuku Thierry Claeys Bouuaert Jean-Philippe Waterschoot Micheline Vermeulen Carole MONÉ Eric DE CLERCQ Catherine Van Ransbeeck Barbara Dietrich

🌍 Exploring Business Opportunities in Ethiopia with CBL ACP In November, the CBL ACP team had the privilege of attending the splendid welcome reception for H.E. Esthete Tilahum at the Ethiopia House in Sint-Genesius-Rode, celebrating his appointment as the new Ambassador of Ethiopia to Belgium. Manon Kizizié, CBL ACP Vice President, and Yvan De Coninck, board member, responsible for the Cluster Agriculture and Head of bilateral Section Ethiopia, were honoured to represent the Chamber on this special occasion. Building on this warm introduction, on December 17th, the CBL ACP team, led by President Jacques Massart and joined by Thomas De Beule, Commercial Director, and Yvan De Coninck, Head of bilateral section Ethiopia, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Esthete Tilahum and his team at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels. The focus of the meeting was to outline a concrete roadmap for 2025 collaboration between CBL ACP and the Embassy, aiming to enhance support for entrepreneurs and strengthen economic ties. Ethiopia, a key player in the Horn of Africa, presents exciting opportunities in five key sectors: 🌾 Agriculture 🏭 Manufacturing 🌍 Tourism 💻 Digital Economy ⛏️ Mining To seize these opportunities, CBL ACP and the Ethiopian Embassy are preparing a trade mission to Addis Ababa. This mission aims to attract investors and foster partnerships with Belgian companies, paving the way for new collaborations and impactful projects. Stay tuned as we unveil an exciting agenda for this promising initiative! #Ethiopia #CBLACP #HornOfAfrica #EastAfrica #EconomicDiplomacy #BusinessOpportunities

On December 10th, CBL ACP Second Vice-President Manon Kizizié was a speaker at the 8th session of Business Club Africa. She was invited by Voka - Kamer van Koophandel Antwerpen-Waasland and joined the event alongside CBL ACP Board Member Thomas De Beule. The event ended with a networking session and a nice buffet to celebrate the work of Business Club Africa in 2024. CBL ACP #VOKA #Collaboration #Africa #Business #AntwerpenWaasland Luc Van Looveren Jacques Massart Dominiek Viaene Bernard Oostveen Jennifer Lefébure

📢CBL ACP in Tanzania: A Landmark Mission and a Vision for Growth🌍🤝  The Belgian Economic Mission to Tanzania, held from November 24 to 29, 2024, was a resounding success, showcasing the depth of opportunity for collaboration between Belgium and Tanzania. Organized by hub.brussels and Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the mission provided a platform for Belgian companies to explore Tanzania’s dynamic and rapidly growing economy. A highlight of the mission was a high-level reception at the residence of H.E. Peter Huyghebaert, Belgian Ambassador to Tanzania. This event not only celebrated the mission's achievements but also set the stage for a historic milestone: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and CBL ACP.  Signed under the supervision of H.E. Jestas Abuok Nyamanga, Ambassador of Tanzania, and H.E. Peter Huyghebaert, the MoU represents a commitment to fostering deeper trade and investment ties. Kelvin Ogodo, representing the President of TCCIA, and Jacques Massart, President of CBL ACP, formalized the agreement, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the entrepreneurs of Tanzania and Belgium. 🇹🇿Tanzania: A Land of Boundless Potential   Tanzania’s vibrant economy is rich with opportunities in sectors where Belgian companies lead the way, including Healthcare and pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and agri-tech, Engineering and infrastructure, Water and sanitation solutions, Chemicals and green energy, ICT and digital transformation, Environment and sustainability.  Beyond its economic promise, Tanzania’s youthful population is its greatest asset—a generation brimming with creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy. With the right partnerships, this human capital can drive transformative and sustainable growth. CBL ACP, represented by First Vice-President Dominiek Viaene, Head of the Bilateral Section Christian Vergrugghe, and President Jacques Massart, is proud to have participated in this mission. The insights gained reaffirm our commitment to supporting Belgian businesses as they unlock Tanzania’s extraordinary potential. Together, let us build a future of shared prosperity and innovation! 🌟💼 #BelgiumTanzania #EconomicMission #Partnerships #Innovation #YouthPotential #SustainableGrowth  Carole MONÉ Catherine Van Ransbeeck Ivan Korsak Koulagenko Micheline Vermeulen

🌍 Exploring Kenya's Boundless Potential with CBL ACP 🇰🇪🇧🇪 On November 21, 2024, Christian Verbrugghe, Board Member and Head of Bilateral Section Kenya, and Jacques Massart, President of the CBL ACP Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture had the immense pleasure and honour of meeting our dynamic Country Representative, Mr. Richard Matheka, in vibrant Nairobi. This visit was a powerful reminder of Kenya's immense potential and the wealth of opportunities it holds for Belgian-Luxembourg businesses. Our discussions centered around the exciting development of Special Economic Zones—a transformative initiative requiring investment and expertise across key sectors such as infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Digital Infrastructure, Smart Systems and more. These zones promise to unlock Kenya's economic potential, serving as hubs for innovation, trade, and industry. What struck us most, however, was the fantastic human capital of Kenya. With its dynamic, skilled, and ambitious workforce, Kenya is a beacon for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive and fast-evolving environment. The energy, creativity, and resilience of Kenyan professionals are truly inspiring and offer a strong foundation for partnerships and growth. The day was crowned by a memorable dinner with His Excellency Peter Maddens, Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya. It was a warm and insightful evening, brimming with conversations about the enduring importance of Belgium-Luxembourg-Kenya business relations. Kenya's role as a powerhouse in East Africa, and a gateway to the broader region through its trade agreements, cannot be overstated. For our CBL ACP members, this is just the beginning. Kenya is calling, and we’re excited to pave the way for you to experience its vibrant opportunities firsthand. Whether you’re already part of our chamber or considering joining, let this be your invitation to explore, engage, and grow in this promising region. Together, we’ll unlock the potential of this extraordinary country. #CBLACP #Kenya #EastAfrica #TradeOpportunities #BelgiumLuxembourgKenya #SpecialEconomicZones #Entrepreneurship #GlobalBusiness

✨ The CBL ACP had the privilege of attending the Flanders International Business Awards 2024. A fantastic and inspirational event organized by Flanders Investment & Trade on November 6th at the iconic Skyhall, Brussels Airport. 🎉 Our chamber was proudly represented by the Second Vice-President and one of our administrators in charge of commercial development. 🌍 Such events are an extraordinary display of entrepreneurial excellence, showcasing to the world that Flanders and Belgium mean business! A heartfelt thank you to Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) for bringing together the economic leaders of Flanders and their international network. Let’s keep driving innovation and creating connections that make a difference! 💼✈️ #FlandersInternationalBusinessAwards #CBLACP #BelgiumMeansBusiness #Entrepreneurship Catherine Van Ransbeeck Carole MONÉ Johan Malin Thomas De Beule Micheline Vermeulen Lise Betjes Manon Kizizié Dominiek Viaene Ivan Korsak Koulagenko Jennifer Lefébure Bernard Oostveen Jacques Massart

During a recent trip to the land of the Amazons, our President had the privilege to meet the CBL ACP Country Representative in Cotonou, Mr Firmin Akpagbe. This first meeting was highly fruitful and highlighted the incredible dynamism of the business climate in Benin. With 15 million inhabitants and an economy undergoing significant transformation, Benin offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs. Key sectors such as ports, infrastructure, water and sanitation, industries, special economic zones, digital technology, and microfinance showcase this exceptional potential. CBL ACP is fully committed to supporting entrepreneurs by connecting them to these opportunities and assisting them in their growth. Our mission: to encourage initiatives that drive economic growth and innovation in promising markets like Benin. #Entrepreneurship #Opportunities #Benin #CBLACP #BusinessDevelopment #EconomicZones #Innovation #EconomicDynamism

Opportunités d'Affaires au Sénégal et en Gambie. 🚀 Entreprises belges intéressées par les marchés Sénégalais et Gambien : Bienvenues à notre séminaire.   Deux ans après la mission princière de 2023 au Sénégal, nous souhaitons prospecter à nouveaux ce marché ! dans ce contexte nous organisons un séminaire sur les ‘Opportunités d’affaires au Sénégal et en Gambie’. Ce séminaire vise à préparer les entreprises belges à la mission économique au Sénégal prévue en mai, 2025 en leur présentant les opportunités d’affaires sur ces marchés. 📅 Date : Jeudi 30 janvier  2025 📍 Lieu : hub.brussels, 110 Chaussée de Charleroi, 1060 💸 Participation gratuite mais inscription obligatoire ! Les organisateurs se réservent le droit d’accepter votre inscription. Via le lien: https://lnkd.in/eGm58uAm Pourquoi participer ? 💡 Préparation optimale à la mission économique de mai 2025 👌 🤝 Accès à des informations actualisées sur les opportunités d'affaires 👌 🌐 Opportunités de réseautage   lors d'un networking exclusif avec les orateurs les ambassadeurs, et les organisateurs 👌 Programme complet via le lien : https://lnkd.in/eB7K9-qK ✔️ Mais aussi 💯 : 📌 Interventions d’experts 👌 📌 Rencontres B2B  avec des entreprises qui connaissent le marché, mais aussi compréhension des risques et des solutions de financement 👌 📌 Networking avec les acteurs clés 👌 Ivan Korsak Koulagenko; Catherine Van Ransbeeck; Jacques E.; Jacques Massart; Mireille Janssens; Kristof Luycx;@Eric De Clercq; Jennifer Lefébure; Manon Kizizié; Marie-Jeanne Lopez;Didier Moné Didier Gelin CBL ACP