Alinta Geling

Hello social entrepreneurs! We impact investors are on your side!   By now I have provided debt financing to around 10 small companies in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the Netherlands. What occurs to me that the entrepreneurs often approach us informal investors as controllers rather than coaches or team members. This is my humble request to entrepreneurs to reach out. Also, or especially, when business is not turning out as planned.   Typically the first connection between a social entrepreneur and an investor starts with a pitch deck presentation. A pitch deck naturally shows a rosy and ambitious projection of the business in the future. That is how it should be. A good entrepreneur has a strong drive and believes in the business. If you show hesitations during your presentation, it is likely that investors won’t run with you. To be honest, as an investor I normally divide the projections by two and if it’s still interesting I continue the conversations.   If all goes well, you receive the loan as an entrepreneur and implementation begins. And then real-life kicks in. Fewer clients appear to be interested than you anticipated. Prices of raw materials increase. The delivery of the ordered machine is delayed. An appreciated team member finds another job. Another company starts offering a similar product. Customers pay late, so you can’t buy new stock. Cash flows problems. A Covid pandemic. A new government. The list continues.   Especially in the East African countries (Rwanda less so) I notice a tendency to fall quiet when the business doesn’t grow as planned. With quiet I mean radio silence. No reaction to emails, messages or phone calls. Experience points out: this means something is off.   To my dear East African entrepreneurs, I implore you to remember that we, impact investors, are not just financiers; we're partners in your journey towards positive change. We invested in your vision because we believe in your ability to make a difference. And while return on our investment might be a goal for us as well, our interests are aligned with yours – the success of your business benefits us all. So, when the going gets tough, don't hesitate to reach out. Share your challenges, seek advice, and let's brainstorm solutions together. After all, isn't that what being part of a team is all about? Together, let's navigate the hurdles, overcome the obstacles, and continue striving towards our shared goal of making the world a better place. #growthmarkets #emergingeconomies #impactinvestment #angelinvestors #eastafrica #socialenterprises

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🌍 Join Us in Strengthening Healthcare Ties Between Kenya and The Netherlands! 🇰🇪🇳🇱 🌍 Are you looking to expand your business to Kenya, or do you want to strengthen your existing relations in the country? Join us for the upcoming Trade Mission to Nairobi and Kisumu on Life Sciences and Health on 14-18 October 2024 to be led by high level Dutch government officials. 🚀 Why Attend? * Boost Local Initiatives: Infuse Kenyan healthcare with global expertise and cutting-edge innovations. * Expand Your Network: Connect with key players in the Kenyan and Dutch LSH sectors. * Explore Opportunities: Discover new partnerships and business prospects in a rapidly evolving market. 🎯 Focus Areas: * Diagnostics for Primary Healthcare * Digital Health Innovations * Innovation & Translational Research * Human Resources in Healthcare Featured Activities: * Engagements: Interact with key players in government and private sector health care through match making, seminars and networking events. * Digital Health Conference: Explore the role of digital health in transforming the Kenyan healthcare landscape. * Field Visits: Gain firsthand insights into successful healthcare projects. This mission is more than just an event—it's a catalyst for bilateral collaboration that could shape the future of healthcare in Kenya. 🚀 Ready to make an impact? Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. Learn more and sign up through RVO’s website 👇 : 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dJX_MxiC Together, we're advancing Universal Health Coverage in Kenya! #KenyaNetherlands2024 #GlobalHealth #TradeMission #HealthcareInnovation

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🌍 Join Us in Strengthening Healthcare Ties Between Kenya and The Netherlands! 🇰🇪🇳🇱 🌍 Are you looking to expand your business to Kenya, or do you want to strengthen your existing relations in the country? Join us for the upcoming Trade Mission to Nairobi and Kisumu on Life Sciences and Health on 14-18 October 2024 to be led by high level Dutch government officials. 🚀 Why Attend? * Boost Local Initiatives: Infuse Kenyan healthcare with global expertise and cutting-edge innovations. * Expand Your Network: Connect with key players in the Kenyan and Dutch LSH sectors. * Explore Opportunities: Discover new partnerships and business prospects in a rapidly evolving market. 🎯 Focus Areas: * Diagnostics for Primary Healthcare * Digital Health Innovations * Innovation & Translational Research * Human Resources in Healthcare Featured Activities: * Engagements: Interact with key players in government and private sector health care through match making, seminars and networking events. * Digital Health Conference: Explore the role of digital health in transforming the Kenyan healthcare landscape. * Field Visits: Gain firsthand insights into successful healthcare projects. This mission is more than just an event it's a catalyst for bilateral collaboration that could shape the future of healthcare in Kenya. 🚀 Ready to make an impact? Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. Learn more and sign up through RVO’s website 👇 : 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJGp7K7g Together, we're advancing Universal Health Coverage in Kenya! #KenyaNetherlands2024 #GlobalHealth #TradeMission

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HELP - BUREAUCRAZY - FINANCE STRANGLEMENT I am in the process of launching a crowdfunding campaign to support a group of individuals within the Katuma refugee camp in Kenya, which houses approximately 200,000 people. However, the major crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe, Indiegogo, and others do not include African countries in their list of eligible payout destinations. As a result, it is not possible to allocate the campaign funds directly to the beneficiaries in Kenya. This is a concern for me because I want to ensure transparency, avoid taxes, and minimize overhead costs. Additionally, payment gateways like PayPal and Wise are not viable options due to refund policies of the crowdfunding platforms, which may be triggered if the campaign does not comply with their rules. I am seeking help and support to overcome these obstacles and successfully execute the campaign for Jerome and his team, who are dedicated to supporting the refugees. How can we make this possible, and what steps can we take to mediate this situation? Currently, the refugees in the camp are living on a meager 400 calories per day, as I have been informed. Thank you for engaging. Dries Braeckman. https://lnkd.in/eiS29cPT https://lnkd.in/eXVNgJXh

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🌍 Honoured to have interacted with World Food Programme's Executive Director, Cindy McCain, during her official visit to Zambia. In light of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate shocks, such as the recent drought that affected nearly 10 million people in Zambia, the collaboration between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the WFP is more critical than ever. Following the signing of a joint global action plan in March 2024, IFAD and WFP are working together to support countries facing fragile contexts, economic shocks, and extreme weather. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths and expertise of both organizations to enhance resilience in vulnerable environments and improve food security for those who need it most. In Zambia, IFAD and WFP have collaborated on the design and rollout of a livestock weather index insurance, increasing access to insurance for 5,000 farmers under the IFAD-funded Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Programme (E-SLIP). IFAD's operations in Zambia focus on resilience building in areas such as livestock, financial inclusion, and value chain financing. #ClimateResilience #FoodSecurity #Zambia #IFAD #WFP #SustainableAgriculture #DroughtResponse #ResilienceBuilding #FinancialInclusion #LivestockInsurance #EconomicDevelopment

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“Africa is at a cross-roads, staring down the barrel of an out-of-control climate crisis for the world’s most vulnerable continent.” - Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, underscores the urgent need to accelerate climate adaptation efforts on the continent. Key points are discussed in this article, take a look: https://lnkd.in/gVg_BQJx

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I have been privileged to participate in the very 1st National Symposium on Land Governance in Uganda under the Theme: Securing Land Righteousness to support Climate Chang adaptation and sustainable food systems. The symposium that happened in the precinct of the Parliament of Uganda was attended by 120 participants among whom were Members of Parliament, Different representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government e.g. the Ministry of Land Housing and Urban Development, National Planning Authority (NPA), National Water and Sewerage Corporation, The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and a host of over 40 CSOs representatives. Some of the key highlights, commitments and resolutions from the symposium include: 1. We need to ensure that we have food in the garden and not in the pocket. 2. There is need to review the land Act and ensure it caters for District Land Trubunals’ strengthening. 3. The need to increase budgets for land management and administration. 4. There is need to sensitize and educate the general population on their land rights. 5. It is important to create a registry for customary land registration. 6. Women’s land rights need to be protected at all levels. For those who would want to follow the proceedings of the symposium, click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/g4sgMQgN

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Last day of our Connect synthesis workshop in Tanzania. A mixed bag of reflections from today... 🌟 I'm grateful for the expertise of our partner Tanzania Home Economics Association (TAHEA) . In our qualitative findings, the trust that they have built with young mothers is evident. I'm grateful to have been able to spend three days together: they are the experts in what has worked in the communities, what has not, and why. 🍹 To mix or not to mix? We have experimented with community groups of only young mothers, and others that mix older and younger mothers. Feedback is mixed on which option is preferred by younger mothers: Some young mothers speak highly of the guidance from older mothers in the mixed groups: "Because [older mothers in the groups] are above our age, they gave us guidance and motivation by giving us examples of what happened in the past. For instance, their babies were still young and they were not using family planning methods, which lead to other unexpected pregnancies while they are still young. Therefore, they were telling us to use family planning methods to avoid second pregnancy when the child is still very young." On the other hand: "I worry that if I ask a grown-up question, they would say that I'm acting inappropriately in front of the elders. I don't worry about being judged, but when they talk about topics that mislead us as first-time mothers, they think you're being rude if you disagree.... Since they are adults, they have the advantage of not being challenged." 💖 Many young mothers speak of the power of family planning to help them to meet their goals and plan for their future. From one young mother: "[home visits from a CHW] created a foundation for me and my child to have a healthy life [and] enabled me to engage in other social activities without having worries. For instance, without family planning I would have got another pregnancy while raising my little child, and I would have no space to engage in other economic activities." Day 3 of 3 https://lnkd.in/eDrnCf9K Sarah Elaraby Lilian Kapinga

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🔋 Kenya-Netherlands Energy Trade Mission: October 14-18, 2024 🌍✨ 🚀 We're thrilled to announce the Energy Trade Mission to Kenya, taking place from October 14-18, 2024! This mission offers Dutch companies a golden opportunity to engage directly with Kenya’s booming energy sector. ⚡️ Kenya is on an ambitious path to achieve 100% electricity access and 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. The Netherlands, as one of Kenya’s largest Foreign Direct Investors, plays a key role in supporting these goals through initiatives like the Access to Energy Fund, which focuses on off-grid solar investments. 📊 In preparation for the mission, the Dutch Embassy has commissioned a market study of Kenya’s energy sector, identifying key opportunities for Dutch businesses. 🌍 Additionally, the Netherlands is committed to providing clean energy access to 100 million people worldwide by 2030 through partnerships like EnDev, SDG7 Results, and the African Biodigester Component. 🔥 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative mission! Register now to explore new business opportunities, build partnerships, and contribute to Kenya's sustainable energy future. 🚀 🔗 Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eJGp7K7g #EnergyTradeMission2024 #60yearsofNLKE

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We are pioneers! We are radically challenging the status quo! We are redefining business ownership on the continent, a business should not be a vehicle for profit making only serving just a few shareholders. A business should be able to deliver impact at scale to all stakeholders while generating a fair share for the owners to keep creating that impact. Therefore to avoid mission drift, the purpose has to be locked into the legal DNA of the business. This redefines how the business is owned, governed and financed.

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In #Ethiopia, the lands of the Ethiopian Orthodox Churches serve as vital havens of biodiversity amidst widespread deforestation. The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Dutch Embassy in Addis Ababa is working closely together with non-profit organization ORDA Ethiopia to expand these green areas into the surrounding degraded landscapes. Read the complete article 'Bridging biodiversity through restoration partnerships around Ethiopia's church forests' in the link below. This article is part of the 13th edition of the e-magazine Agrospecial, titled "Peace with Nature: Global Biodiversity Commitment" (originally published on October 9, 2024). In this edition, the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) explores the crucial role of biodiversity in agriculture and nature in the context of the COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Colombia. Agricultural Counselors from over 18 countries share their involvement in initiatives that foster the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity, highlighting the complex interdependence between biodiversity, water and soil management. In these efforts, cooperation, innovation and knowledge exchange are key, and LAN plays a crucial role in mainstreaming this global commitment. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ertdxe6n #biodiversity | #agrospecial | #COP16 | Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur | Meeuwes Brouwer | Mahlet Dessie | Nablies Hailemariam https://lnkd.in/ednAbCGd

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With support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe, WALPE hosted an online TV program to explore how we can contribute to reducing the impact of unpaid care and domestic work on women and girls in Zimbabwe. The program, titled International Day of Care and Support: Solutions We Can Proffer to Reduce, Redistribute, Recognize, and Represent Unpaid Care and Domestic Work for Women, was held in alignment with the International Day of Care and Support on October 29. Research by the WALPE-led consortium has revealed that unpaid care and domestic work demand more hours from women than men, restricting women's opportunities for personal development and paid employment. Additionally, this limits women's participation in leadership and decision-making roles, resulting in less representation in critical areas where issues affecting women could be addressed more effectively. #WeCareForHer #GenderEquality #LetsGo5050 International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada Netherlands Embassy to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi Oxfam in Zimbabwe Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe

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What does sustainable development look like in Africa? Is it possible that governments and aid agencies overlook certain fundamental aspects? At the core of this issue is the ongoing practice of governments exporting raw products without implementing policies to protect local manufacturers. It's a systemic issue where Africa's resources are bought for pennies on the dollar and then sold for killer profits when processed. Without solid policies that promote the exportation of processed goods, this issue continues to persist. President Museveni is unapologetic about his position in this clip during the IDA21 Africa Heads of State Summit. "I won't be part of this treachery." Indeed, it is treachery that robs Africans of greater opportunities and jobs. He calls aid on the continent of Africa sustainable underdevelopment. https://lnkd.in/ddgA_efu

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I support Orange The World Nederland - UN Women NL, Soroptimisten NL & Zonta NL! They are organizing a global #campaign against #violence against #women and #girls in the coming period. During my visit to #Maputo last June, I spoke with family members and friends who lost a mother, sister or girlfriend to femicide. These conversations had a great #impact on me. (see attached images of the #demonstration in Maputo where they gathered for the introduction of new #legislation to protect women from femicide -marcya jeiambe) #Femicide and violence against women is a #global problem, including in the Netherlands. #Worldwide,137 women die every day from violence by a family member, partner or ex-partner. Worldwide, 1 in 3 women has experienced #physical and/or sexual violence. Almost one in four women in the Netherlands has (had) to deal with a form of sexual #abuse or sexual violence. (Read the message from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs herehttps://lnkd.in/e9ZicP9M) Violence against women and girls occurs in all kinds of places; on the street, when going out, at work, at the sports club, in cyberspace, on public transport, in education, in healthcare, in student associations, at festivals, on the beach, behind the front door and in all other places where men and women, boys and girls meet. From sexual harassment to femicide. The vast majority of #perpetrators of violence against women are men, but fortunately the vast #majority of #men are not perpetrators. It is precisely this last large group of men and boys that we want to involve in the fight against violence against women. Men who want to be allies in stopping violence against women and thus want to be part of the solution. If all our fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, lovers and friends become #allies and commit themselves to preventing and combating all forms of violence, women and girls can feel safe, everywhere and always. But #women can also be more active allies, in all kinds of places where they are active. If we are all allies, together we can help eliminate violence against women and girls from the world. By signing the allies pledge you indicate that you too want to commit yourself to combating violence against women and girls, as a woman, man or human being, as a professional or bystander, as a friend, neighbor or colleague. The pledge consists of five points: 1. I do not use violence (against women and girls) 2. I take women and girls who report violence seriously and support them in finding help 3. I do what I can to ensure that women and girls can feel safe 4. I contribute to breaking the taboo of talking about violence against women 5. I speak to people around me about transgressive behavior Sign: https://lnkd.in/eWhTvkwq Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken #buitenlandsezaken #orangetheworld

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Amazing energy and discussions last week at the Equality in Climate Action meeting in Nairobi. More than 100 participants from across Africa, from government officials, to CSOs, grassroot women’s organizations and gender and climate experts, met to strengthen capacities to integrate gender in climate policies, with an eye on NDC revisions later this year and the next COP. Calling on all partners working to promote inclusive climate action in Africa: check out the list of priorities emerging from the meeting for ideas of what to support.   1.      More climate finance to fund gender priorities, and to reach women led businesses, women advocacy organizations and grassroot women. They are at the forefront of climate action but don’t have the tools! 2.      Build capacity of national gender and climate change focal points. They are key in getting gender in the climate agenda at the national level and as part of COP delegations; 3.      Invest in the production of sex-disaggregated data to identify the impact and opportunities of climate change and the transition to the green economy on/for women and men; 4.      Support more women in decision making spaces and processes discussing climate change, including funding trips of women organizations and women in national delegations so that the voices of women are heard where it matters. Congratulations to colleagues in UN Women ESARO, UNDP, UNFCCC, the Women and Gender Constituency, and the African Group of Negotiators for a fantastic meeting. #actforequal #justtransition Mehjabeen Alarakhia; Venge Nyirongo; Rosalind Helfand, MPhil; Wiebke Bender; jasmin blessing; Valentine Waroga; Daisy Mukarakate; Lorenzo Rovelli; Marion Hurkxkens;

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🌱Exciting innovations in sustainable agriculture! 🌱 Earlier today, I and colleagues visited InsectiPro and Terrasol in Kenya. InsectiPro is raising millions of black soldier fly larvae to convert over 6000 tonnes of food waste from Nairobi city into organic fertilizers and protein meal for livestock. InsectiPro is leading the way in alternative protein production. Did you know these insects can break down food waste up to 500 times faster than traditional composting methods? The insect poop or manure, or frass, is processed into rich organic fertilizer used by smallholder farmers across Kenya, supporting diverse crops from staple maize to high-value horticultural products like cucumbers and bell peppers. This sustainable fertilizer improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical inputs—a win for both the planet and local farmers! InsectiPro also creates sustainable livestock feed by utilizing black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to upcycle organic waste. BSF larvae have a unique ability to consume and convert various forms of food waste rapidly, making them highly efficient at producing nutrient-rich biomass. As they mature, the larvae themselves become a protein-rich feed ingredient, ideal for livestock like chickens and fish. This insect-based feed not only reduces dependency on traditional feed sources like soy and fishmeal—which are resource-intensive to produce—but also supports a circular economy by minimizing food waste and its associated environmental impacts. Through this approach, InsectiPro addresses both waste management and feed sustainability, contributing to more eco-friendly agricultural practices. InsectiPro is housed within Terrasol, a major player in the flower export industry. Terrasol produces over 60% of Europe’s succulents and grows an impressive array of flowers on their expansive Kenyan farm, positioning Kenya as a powerhouse in sustainable floriculture. Their facility hosts dozens of flower varieties, spreading beauty and biodiversity worldwide. InsectiPro exemplifies how agricultural innovation can improve food security, sustainability, and economic resilience. We’re excited to see how these technologies can be scaled up to make an even greater impact. #SustainableAgriculture #InsectProtein #BlackSoldierFly #KenyaAgriculture #FlowerPower #ClimateAction

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You are invited to register and attend this insightful information-sharing seminar. #AMIDYoungProfessionalProgram #DevelopmentStudies #YouthDevelopment #AdvanceMastersinInternationalDevelopment #MastersDegree

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Early last week, we participated in a capacity-strengthening training organized by WAR CHILD ALLIANCE - Africa & Colombia Region under the INSPIRE project, funded by Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda.The training focused on the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), equipping participants with essential skills to ensure quality, accountable, and people-centered humanitarian action. During the training, we delved into the nine CHS commitments, learning how to apply them to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our interventions. Emphasis was placed on the importance of community engagement, feedback mechanisms, and inclusive participation to empower affected populations in decision-making processes. The AAP sessions were particularly impactful, highlighting practical strategies to incorporate accountability into program planning, implementation, and evaluation. These included developing transparent communication channels, responding to community feedback in a timely manner, and ensuring that all actions are culturally sensitive and aligned with the needs and priorities of those we serve.

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EnDev Kenya is thrilled to invite you to the Learning Workshop of the “Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda” (SEFFA) project! Mark your calendars for June 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (EAT).   🌿 About SEFFA: Launched in January 2021 with support from the IKEA Foundation and in collaborative effort between GIZ, SNV and Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development, the SEFFA project focuses on promoting the productive use of energy (#PUE) in agricultural value chains across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. SEFFA aims to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and increase their resilience to climate change by integrating renewable energy technologies.   🔹 Workshop Objectives:  • Demonstrate Viable Business Cases: Showcase successful PUE technologies piloted by the SEFFA project that have the potential to transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities, create jobs for youth and women, ensure food and nutritional security, and contribute to climate action in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.   • Present Results and Key Learnings: Share insights from the implementation of project activities and innovations, highlighting both successful and challenging PUE technology pilots, offering innovative models for the market.   • Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: Provide a platform for knowledge sharing and discussion among actors from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, to redefine business case designs and explore the scaling potential of PUE in agricultural development and livelihood improvement.   🔗 Click the link in the comments or scan the QR code in the image to register!   #SustainableEnergy #Agriculture #SmallholderFarmers #EnDev #IKEAFoundation GIZ Kenya

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