Africa

The Netherlands Invests More in Niger

Minister Kaag of the Netherlands explained how the Netherlands will invest more in Niger

February 20th, 2019
Anastasia Petrova, News from Berlin
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The Netherlands is expanding its investments in the African Region, in particular in Niger for years to come. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag explained the plans to combat poverty and increase access to jobs and education after her trip to the country.

The government of the Netherlands will support projects on clean water and moreover help young entrepreneurs start their businesses.  The total investment is about 100 million euros over the next four years. Minister Kaag commented: “we are trying in several different ways to offer the people in Niger, and young people in particular, a brighter future. We’re doing that by tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality.”

The Sahel region of Niger in West Africa is of particular interest. Minister Kaag visited a post at the border with Burkina Faso and spoke with local authorities. The Netherlands is working toward conflict prevention and security in the region, together with the UN and the EU.

Minister Kaag stated that education is the main tool to combat unemployment. She said: “It gives young people control over their lives and offers them prospects for the future. Good education is also an effective tool for preventing child marriage and achieving progress in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights.”

In the end, Minister Kaag visited a reception center operated by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and spoke with women migrants. Sigrid Kaag supports the work of the IOM with a contribution of about 12 million euros.

References:

News from Berlin