Flanders’ engagement with Africa is fragmented and needs a clearer strategic focus, according to a study by KU Leuven and the European Centre for Development Policy Management. Their report calls for a narrowing of priorities and better coordination to address the continent’s growing importance as a market, especially as powers such as China and Russia expand their influence.
The study identifies Flanders’ strengths in climate adaptation, food processing and healthcare, but also highlights the need for stronger internal coordination and inclusive partnerships to realise these opportunities.
“We need less talk and more implementation”
“Flanders’ approach is too fragmented,” said Huib Huyse, who led the study. Koen Doens, from the European Commission’s directorate general for International Partnerships, also called for action: “We need less talk and more implementation.”
Financial links between Flanders and Africa are significant, with 1.4 billion USD in remittances flowing annually – half of which goes to Morocco. Congo and Ghana also receive significant amounts. However, trade remains modest, with only 3-4 per cent of Flemish exports going to Africa.
Recent export growth to Africa has been driven mainly by temporary factors, such as Covid-19 vaccine shipments and shifts in oil trade related to the war in Ukraine.
Historical ties
Meanwhile, imports continue to focus on traditional commodities such as diamonds and tobacco. Flemish companies active in Africa are mainly established players, including DEME, for offshore energy, dredging and marine infrastructure, materials technology and recycling group Umicore, and Vyncke, which specialises in building green energy plants that convert biomass and solid recovered fuel into thermal energy.
The report advocates moving beyond historical ties to focus on partnerships based on shared interests, such as climate action, while tailoring approaches to Africa’s diverse regions. The port of Antwerp, for example, has been working with Namibia on hydrogen and ammonia projects, demonstrating the potential for targeted initiatives.
Flanders needs to refine its strategy to take advantage of opportunities in trade, investment and technology, while addressing risks in complex regions such as eastern Congo. The findings provide a basis for developing a more focused and effective approach to Africa.
