From International Cooperation to Economic Cooperation: Time to Look at Africa Differently

Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs (OVO) promotes a new approach to cooperation between Europe and Africa by focusing on entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable economic relationships rather than traditional aid. Through the experiences of Ugandan entrepreneurs Martha Namabiro of MADCO Investments and Dr Charles Maina of My Guardian, OVO demonstrates how supporting local businesses can create economic growth, jobs, and social impact while opening opportunities for European and African entrepreneurs to work together.

Entrepreneurship That Responds to Local Needs

Martha Namabiro and her business partner Daniel founded MADCO Investments in Uganda to address the practical challenges faced by local farmers. The company gradually expanded from agricultural consultancy to machinery rental and the sale of animal feed ingredients. By identifying gaps in the market and developing solutions for farmers, MADCO has helped improve agricultural productivity and strengthen local businesses.

In 2025, MADCO achieved nearly 78% annual sales growth, demonstrating the potential of its business model. However, the company faces a new challenge because the land where it operates is for sale. OVO is supporting Martha and Daniel in exploring financing options to acquire the property and continue growing their business.

From Protecting Migrant Workers to Creating Financial Opportunities

Dr Charles Maina, founder of My Guardian, developed a technology-based service to support East African migrant workers, particularly those working in the Middle East. Its Track, Trace and Rescue approach helps workers remain connected, locate them when contact is lost, and coordinate assistance when they face difficulties.

With coaching and a social-impact loan from OVO, My Guardian expanded its activities and identified another important challenge: helping migrant workers ensure that more of their earnings reach their families. This led to GuardianPay, a financial-services initiative designed to make international remittances more affordable and transparent.

Charles is also exploring ways to connect African products, such as Ugandan coffee, with international markets through Carledorian Connection. His work highlights the importance of market access, reliable distribution networks, and international partnerships for African businesses.

Building Equal and Sustainable Economic Partnerships

OVO believes that cooperation between Europe and Africa should move beyond a one-way transfer of money, knowledge, and expertise. Instead, both continents should collaborate as equal economic partners, sharing knowledge, developing businesses, and creating investment opportunities.

African entrepreneurs bring valuable experience in adapting to limited resources, solving local problems, and using available materials efficiently. These practices can also provide useful lessons for European businesses, particularly in areas such as circular economy, sustainability, and resource management.

Through business coaching, access to finance, and connections with potential partners, OVO helps entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and explore new opportunities. This approach benefits both African and European entrepreneurs by encouraging mutual learning and long-term economic relationships.

The Inspiration Tour: Learning from Ugandan Entrepreneurs

In November, OVO's Manager Team Support, Anne-Lise Passelecq, will travel to Uganda with a delegation of Belgian entrepreneurs and provincial governor Jan Spooren. The Inspiration Tour aims to help participants understand African entrepreneurship through direct encounters with local businesses.

The delegation will visit companies from different sectors, including agriculture, technology, construction, and circular economy, and discuss their challenges, growth strategies, financing needs, and international ambitions.

Rather than approaching Africa only as a destination for development projects, the tour encourages Belgian entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for investment, trade, and knowledge exchange. It also gives African entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their expertise and build relationships with potential European partners.

Creating Opportunities for Shared Growth

Through the stories of MADCO Investments and My Guardian, OVO demonstrates that supporting African entrepreneurs can generate benefits far beyond individual companies. Business growth creates employment, improves productivity, strengthens local value chains, and opens access to new markets.

OVO's vision is to connect African and European entrepreneurs as partners who can learn from each other, invest together, and develop sustainable economic relationships. By combining coaching, financing, and networking, the organisation aims to create opportunities that benefit both continents and contribute to long-term economic development.