With over a decade of experience in East Africa, Thijs is known for his pioneering efforts in establishing the first potato crisps company in Rwanda. Thijs is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while making a sustainable impact on the community.
Thijs holds an MSc in Development Studies from Wageningen University, with a specialization in agricultural economics, which he complemented with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. With a passion for developing profitable and sustainable value chains with a social or environmental impact objective, Thijs brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. His strategic vision, coupled with a deep understanding of the East African market, has resulted in the successful implementation of his venture and other projects that prioritise both financial returns and societal and environmental well-being.