The Exchange model
Exchange has been supporting promising African entrepreneurs in their growth and scale-up phase since 2001. By growing sustainably, entrepreneurs add value to their local community in the form of employment and better regional prosperity.
Exchange distinguishes itself from other non-profits and NGOs by not opting for the classic model of financial support, but by assisting entrepreneurs with tailored expertise. This ultimately leads to more sustainable solutions.
A local entrepreneur can submit a business growth plan to the local Business Development Manager of Exchange in the focus country. Each growth programme is preceded by a feasibility study. The programme manager of the relevant focus country in Belgium is involved, and based on our selection criteria we assess whether the business is suitable to start a growth programme.
Next, we clarify what the needs, capacity, and expectations of the African entrepreneur are. This way, we can look for the best possible expertise match with a Belgian expert. Once the growth programme is launched, we sit together with the entrepreneur to select a voluntary programme coach who acts as a point of contact for the specific growth programme. The coach develops a programme plan with a corresponding timeline and targeted delivery stages for interim goals, which are tracked in clearly measurable KPIs.
For the implementation of a growth programme, we seek the right expertise from local, Belgian, and international partners. Sustainable growth goes hand in hand with local anchoring.
Local and international partnerships
Growth programmes must be anchored in the local context. Exchange not only seeks relevant experience in the Belgian market but also aims to involve relevant local and international partners from the outset. Local expertise is invaluable and guarantees in-depth and concrete knowledge sharing. In local knowledge sharing, as many regional actors as possible benefit from a growth programme.
Focus on the private sector
Exchange deliberately opts for private enterprises. Thus, the mission of Exchange is explicitly framed within two of the key points of the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8 ‘Decent work and economic growth’ and SDG 17 ‘partnerships to achieve the goals’.
Where is Exchange active?
To deploy our network of experts as efficiently and impactfully as possible, we focus on8 countriesand6 sectors.These sectors are essential to finding answers to the challenges of tomorrow. Both in the context of private enterprises and that of governments. Both in Europe and Africa.
Where is Exchange active?
To deploy our network of experts as efficiently and impactfully as possible, we focus on 8 countries and 6 sectors. These sectors are essential for finding answers to the challenges of tomorrow. Both in the context of private enterprises and that of governments. Both in Europe and in Africa.
Onze sectoren
Our sectors
Our ecosystem
In our work, we cooperate with these partners to create as much prosperity in Africa as possible.
Do you want to be part of our ecosystem as an impact investor, non-profit or company in Africa or Europe?
Don't hesitate to contact us!
Interested in working with us?
Whether you are a Belgian company looking for collaboration or want to come on board as a volunteer, we are just an email away.
Want to support our work?
You can support our work and the further growth of African SMEs by donating voluntarily through our fund Friends of Exchange. The donated money is used to maintain our growth programmes and has a direct impact on the businesses we support. Donations from €40 are tax-deductible.
Want to support our work?
You can support our work and the further growth of African SMEs by donating voluntarily through our fund Friends of Exchange. The donated money is used to maintain our growth programmes and has a direct impact on the businesses we support. Donations from €40 are tax-deductible.
