Novare Group opens European office in Arnhem to bridge Dutch investments with high-growth African markets

The Arnhem office will serve as Novare’s European hub – connecting Dutch, European, and global investors and companies with opportunities across Africa, while fostering partnerships that bring innovation and investment back into the Netherlands.

Driving investment across Africa

Novare Europe focuses on real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy, critical minerals, fintech, and private equity. Its vision is to be the leading provider of investment solutions in Africa, delivering strong returns, creating long-term value for investors, and generating tangible benefits for the local communities in which it operates.

Novare invests in sustainable shopping centers in countries such as Nigeria and Zambia. The company hopes to make the shopping centers even more sustainable with Dutch innovations and investments.

Why Arnhem?

“The Gelderland region and Arnhem offer exceptional connectivity to global markets and a strong ecosystem for growth, especially in battery storage, renewable energy & smart energy systems,” said Anton van der Vijver, Managing Director of Novare Europe. “Our presence here enables close collaboration with our Dutch partners who share our vision for Africa as a driver of global growth.”

Novare selected Arnhem following an Oost NL visit to South Africa and a review of potential Dutch locations. Arnhem stood out for its concentration of companies active in the energy transition and critical minerals recycling sectors. The NFIA network provided a soft landing, while Oost NL offered regional expertise and connections to ensure a smooth market entry.

From left to right: Shaakir Yacoob (NFIA) – Mark Reijneker (NFIA) – Olaotse Leepile (Novare) – Bram Geertsema (Oost NL) – Anton van der Vijver (Novare)

Two-way impact

“Novare’s arrival creates a two-way bridge,” said Bram Geertsema, Tech & Energy Advisor at Oost NL. “On one hand, Dutch businesses gain access to high-growth African markets; on the other, Novare brings international innovations and significant African and global expertise to the Netherlands.”

One project under exploration is a recycling technology facility to recover critical materials from batteries and magnets – supporting both European sustainability goals and Africa’s industrial development. This follows Novare Group’s recently announced investment in ReElement Technologies, an American company developing advanced purification and separation technology. These strategic partnerships and collaborations unite Dutch-European, American, and African companies, creating mutual benefits across regions to all stakeholders, according to Van der Vijver.

Growth ambitions

Novare Europe plans to expand its Arnhem team to around 10 people within three years, solidifying its role as a connector between Dutch and African markets.