Dutch development cooperation is gaining a new dimension with Impact Clusters (Combitracks). This approach brings together government, businesses, knowledge institutes and civil society organisations to work on long-term projects in emerging markets.
The goal is to address important development needs while also creating opportunities for Dutch companies. This makes Impact Clusters relevant for trade promotion organisations, business support organisations, donor-funded programmes, government agencies, SMEs, exporters and international development partners. For these organisations, Impact Clusters offers an interesting model. It shows how trade, investment and development cooperation can be connected in a more practical and structured way.
A new way to link trade and development
Many countries are working to improve food security, water management, energy access, healthcare, logistics and climate resilience. These are complex issues. They need knowledge, investment, technology and strong partnerships. At the same time, Dutch companies are active in many of these sectors. They often have practical experience that can support more sustainable and efficient systems. Impact Clusters creates a framework to bring this expertise into markets where it can add value.
This approach moves beyond the traditional separation between aid and trade. It supports business activity, but links this to wider development goals. For companies, it can open doors to new markets. For local partners, it can bring access to new knowledge, services and technologies.
A multi-year sector approach
An Impact Cluster is not a single project or one-off activity. It is a multi-year approach focused on a specific sector and market. Within this framework, different activities and support instruments can be combined.
This longer timeframe is important. Entering an emerging market takes preparation. Companies need to understand the market, identify reliable partners and build a realistic business case. They also need to understand local rules, risks and customer needs. A multi-year approach gives more room to build trust and test what works. It can include market research, partner matchmaking, trade missions, training, access to finance and support in dealing with barriers to trade or investment. For trade promotion organisations and business support organisations, this creates a clearer structure for helping companies take their first or next steps in promising markets.
More than selling a product
Impact Clusters is not only about introducing Dutch products or services abroad. A good business solution can only succeed when the right conditions are in place. These conditions may include skilled local workers, suitable regulation, access to finance, reliable partners and strong local institutions. Without these elements, even a good solution may not last.
This is also where the development value becomes stronger. By improving the wider business environment, Impact Clusters can support more inclusive and sustainable growth. It can help strengthen local value chains, create decent work and improve access to better services.
Dutch expertise in key sectors
Impact Clusters focuses on sectors where Dutch knowledge and technology can make a clear contribution. These include horticulture, water, renewable energy, cold chain logistics, healthcare, waste management, cocoa, aquaculture and sustainable food systems. In these areas, companies can offer practical solutions to concrete problems. Examples include smarter water use in agriculture, circular waste processing, innovative healthcare services and off-grid solar energy.
1 + 1 = 3
Impact Clusters reflects a wider shift in international cooperation. Development programmes are increasingly looking for ways to mobilise private knowledge, technology and investment. At the same time, companies are looking for meaningful and commercially viable opportunities in emerging markets.
This creates space for new types of partnerships. Public and private actors can work together to address market barriers, support local capacity and create stronger business cases. But balance is important. Commercial opportunities should be linked to real local needs. Development impact should be clear and inclusive. Local companies, institutions and communities should play an active role in shaping the approach.
When these elements come together, trade and investment can become stronger drivers of sustainable development.