Dries Thijssen

Dries’s journey with the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC) is built on a foundation of international business expertise and a deep commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Netherlands and Africa. With a background in International Business, he has developed valuable skills and gained diverse experience that are key to supporting the growth of trade between Dutch and African businesses. In his new role, he will be responsible for organising trade missions to and from various African countries, while also taking on the role of Community Manager, engaging with NABC’s members and helping to strengthen the network.

After completing a degree in International Business, he worked as a recruitment consultant, where he supported companies in the IT sector. His professional journey then took him to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), where he served as a Relationship Manager. In this role, he cultivated partnerships and managed important stakeholder relationships, skills that he now brings to his work with NABC.

He is passionate about leveraging his unique combination of business, consultancy, and humanitarian experience to drive the growth of trade between Dutch and African enterprises. He is particularly excited about the potential for fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that unlock opportunities for both regions.

Africa has always held a special place in his heart, and he is dedicated to supporting the sustainable growth of the continent. He believes that strong, healthy trade relations between Dutch and African businesses are crucial for the economic development of both areas. Through his work at NABC, he aims to contribute to this vision by helping to create lasting, impactful connections that support the shared growth and success of both continents.