The Hague, 10 November 2025 – Orange Corners is proud to announce a new programme-wide partnership with HEINEKEN. The partnership marks a major step forward in a long-standing collaboration that already spans seven Orange Corners countries, deepening a shared mission to empower starting entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
A new partnership to support young entrepreneurs
The global partnership between HEINEKEN and Orange Corners includes a combination of financial support and collaborations for the benefit of the entrepreneurs of the Orange Corners programme. The agreement was signed at the HEINEKEN headquarters in Amsterdam on November 6 by Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at HEINEKEN, and Saskia Hallenga, Director International Cooperation at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, in the presence of Steven Collet, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. During the signing ceremony, all organisations reaffirmed their commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at HEINEKEN:
“At HEINEKEN, we see every market we operate in as a chance to make a positive difference. Inequality continues to hold too many people back, and by partnering with Orange Corners, we’re helping young entrepreneurs unlock their potential and create jobs that strengthen communities. From our first collaboration in South Africa, we’ve seen how powerful this partnership can be. This new global partnership marks an exciting next chapter, deepening our shared ambition to drive inclusive growth and lasting social impact.”
Longstanding collaboration between HEINEKEN and Orange Corners
With this new agreement, HEINEKEN and Orange Corners build on successful local collaborations in Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa, which include activities such as masterclasses, company visits and financial contributions.
Erik Parigger, Programme Coordinator Orange Corners: “Since the first Orange Corners programme opened in South Africa in 2016, we’ve seen the power of collaboration between the public and private sector. Partners like HEINEKEN bring far more than resources: they share expertise and create learning opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and their impact. As one of Orange Corners’ earliest and most dedicated supporters, HEINEKEN has played an important role in the initiative’s success”
The Dutch public–private partnership model
This global partnership is exemplary of the Dutch model of strong collaboration between the Dutch government and the private sector in the fields of international trade and development. It reflects a shared belief that public-private partnerships are vital to building sustainable ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive and grow on their own merit. By combining their strengths, both partners contribute to a common goal of achieving lasting development impact.
Steven Collet, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: “When government and the private sector join forces, space is created for innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable growth. With Orange Corners, we provide young people in the Global South with a platform to thrive. The collaboration between HEINEKEN and Orange Corners shows what’s possible when we operate as Team NL, with mutually reinforcing goals and shared responsibility.”
The Orange Corners team is proud to strengthen the relationship with HEINEKEN looks forward to building on this successful collaboration.
About Orange Corners
Orange Corners is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implemented by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in cooperation with local partners and Dutch embassies and consulates. Orange Corners operates in 20 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, supporting young entrepreneurs in building sustainable, profitable businesses that contribute to more inclusive and prosperous societies.
Currently, more than 50 private partners – ranging from small local enterprises to large multinationals – contribute to our programmes, offering mentorship, training and financial support. To date, Orange Corners has supported over 4,300 young businesses, creating more than 15,000 jobs.
For questions and/or more information, please contact:
Erik Parigger, Programme Coordinator Orange Corners
[email protected]
