Every country faces its own challenges and opportunities. Through the combination tracks, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) brings together businesses, governments, knowledge institutions and local partners to work towards shared goals in sectors that are important for future economic development. Across 14 emerging markets, partners work together on sector-specific initiatives that aim to unlock business opportunities, strengthen local economies and contribute to challenges related to areas such as food security, healthcare, water management and access to energy. DGGF contributes to this approach by supporting local SMEs that operate in these priority sectors.
A shared approach to sustainable economic development
A combination track is not a single project. It is a multi-year sector approach in which different programmes, partnerships and instruments are brought together around a shared objective. By combining expertise, investment and local knowledge, the Dutch government aims to support both sustainable economic development and the international ambitions of Dutch businesses. The specific sectors differ from country to country and are selected based on local priorities and opportunities. Examples include healthcare in Kenya, sustainable horticulture in India, water-smart agriculture in Egypt and Morocco, and off-grid solar solutions in Nigeria.
Image: DGGF
The role of DGGF within the combination tracks
DGGF contributes to this approach by financing investment funds investing in local SMEs that operate in these sectors. Across the portfolio, DGGF supports businesses that respond to everyday challenges in their local markets. This can mean helping people access affordable eye care through companies like DOT Glasses in Kenya, or supporting businesses such as Rensource in Nigeria that provide off-grid solar solutions where reliable energy is not always available. In this way, DGGF-backed entrepreneurs contribute not only to stronger local economies, but also to services and solutions that can make a real difference in people’s daily lives.
Throughout the summer, DGGF highlighted several examples from its portfolio on LinkedIn that illustrate the combination-track approach in practice. While each country and sector faces its own challenges, the underlying principle remains the same: sustainable economic development is most effective when public and private actors work together towards shared goals. Through its investments, DGGF aims to contribute to exactly that.
Looking ahead
The combination tracks underline the importance of long-term collaboration in emerging markets by recognizing that lasting progress requires collaboration across public and private actors, both locally and internationally. DGGF will continue to support entrepreneurs and investment funds who are dealing with local challenges and creating opportunities for their communities, employees and customers.