Dutch Historian & Journalist Specializing in Northern & Western Africa; Expert Commentator; Author of “Nigerian Situations”

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Gerbert van der Aa Biography

Gerbert van der Aa is a Dutch historian and journalist specializing in Northern and Western Africa. He writes for a wide range of Dutch magazines and newspapers and appears regularly as an expert commentator on radio and television. His first book, “Nigerian Situations: A Journey Through Africa’s Most Corrupt Country,” was published in 2006 and nominated for the Bob den Uyl Prize. His second book, “Across Sudan: A Friendly Rough State on the Nile,” followed in 2007.

Unlike many Africa correspondents who travel with Western aid organizations and focus on familiar narratives of crisis, Van der Aa seeks out unconventional perspectives. His reporting challenges prevailing assumptions, suggesting that conditions on the continent are often more complex—and sometimes less dire—than commonly portrayed. He has documented how reports of famine are frequently overstated and observed in Nigeria that multinational companies such as Shell may, at times, show greater environmental concern than local communities acknowledge.

Van der Aa is also known for his unorthodox approach to travel. He often journeys on overcrowded buses or rides atop freight trucks loaded with flour or dates. On several occasions, he has driven from the Netherlands to Africa, crossing the Sahara Desert, then sold his vehicle upon arrival to finance the remainder of his travels. The result is a body of reporting that foregrounds voices and stories rarely heard in Western media.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/05/2026.

Gerbert van der Aa Speaking Topics

  • The revolution in the North of Africa

  • Succesful companies in Africa

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  • What topics does Gerbert van der Aa speak about?

    Gerbert van der Aa is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, History, Journalist, Non-Fiction Authors, Political
  • Where does Gerbert van der Aa travel from?

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Gerbert van der Aa is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The revolution in the North of Africa, Succesful companies in Africa, The Sahara is getting greener, Why our image of Africa is too negative, Colonel Gaddafi and African roots of the blues. The estimated speaking fee range to book Gerbert van der Aa for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Gerbert van der Aa generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jared Sichel, Conor Friedersdorf, David Muir, Charles Kaiser and Dave Zirin. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Gerbert van der Aa for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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