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David Sturmes-Verbeek

Strategic Partnerships and Innovation

A specialist in mineral supply chains, voluntary sustainability standards and inclusive value chain development, David’s role centres on the development of programmes and strategic partnerships that strengthen the resilience and profitability of SMEs operating in mineral-rich communities.

David has worked across East and Central Africa, Guyana and Europe, co-developing programmes aiming at the professionalisation and formalisation of ASM, including international market access and community development. Through this work, David has built up a broad understanding of gold, gemstone and cobalt value chains, from artisanal mines all the way to international refiners and downstream brands.

David helped develop The Impact Facility’s approach, leveraging blended finance and building on the notion of incentive-based, continuous improvement to achieve inclusive sector development. In his role as Director for  Programme and Business Development, David engages corporates, non-profits, (impact) investors and institutional stakeholders to forge partnerships – across industries and supply chain tiers –  dedicated to addressing complex challenges through strategic collaboration.