The African private sector is steadily growing, ambitious, and increasingly experienced, leading companies to seek competent partners who can engage on a level playing field. By leveraging the combined competences of the German and African Mittelstand, we can achieve mutual benefits and create a win-win scenario.

This 2-hour business marketplace provides three parallel round tables to connect with potential partners, exchange ideas and experiences, receive valuable advice, and gain access to key networks. Engage with selected representatives from African and German business associations, receive advice from partnering African and German financial institutions, and discover private initiatives aimed at training skilled labor in various parts of the continent!

Join one or two of the following Business Round Tables:
A: Partnerships and Networks
B: Financing
C: Skilled Labour and Local Content

A: Partnerships and networks between German and African organizations serve as an important bridge for businesses on both sides to explore and promote mutual interests and establish business contacts. At this roundtable, representatives from various sector and industry associations in Germany and Africa will have the opportunity to network. At the same time, companies can connect with associations that may assist in facilitating their market entry into Germany or Africa through their business networks and connections. At the same time, the Africa Business Network and its players and services are brought to a broader audience.
The Africa Business Network of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers comprehensive information, advisory and support services for companies that want to do business in Africa. Relying on strong partners such as GTAI, the BMWK’s export initiatives, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad, the Agency for Business & Economic Development (AWE) as well as established associations with an expertise in African affairs the Africa Business Network connects institutions of German foreign trade and investment promotion as well as German development cooperation with stakeholders interested in furthering trade and investment in Africa.
The Africa Business Network is represented by Jana Unger, Head of the Coordination Office

We also expect representatives from some of the following organizations:

• KEREA (Kenya Renewable Energy Association) (tbd)
• EABC (East African Business Councel)
• CBC (COMESA Business Council)

B: Financing
Representatives from the German Desks and their African partner banks will be available to present their advisory services, which aim at both German and African business partners. A financial advisor from the project development program will also provide information about the advisory services available to African off-takers of German technology and services.
This round table will create opportunities for businesses with specific projects to connect and facilitate follow-up consultations that may lead to successful business agreements.
The DEG, in collaboration with partner banks and local German Chambers of Commerce (AHKs), offers so called "German Desks." These desks are staffed by bilingual bank employees who assist German SMEs and their local business partners, particularly with banking matters. They help overcome cultural and language barriers and foster relationships with the local business community. Since 2024, the locations in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria have been part of the “Wirtschaftsnetzwerk Afrika” supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The German Desks are represented by Volker Schwab, Vice President DEG
We also expect representatives from some of the following organizations:

• German Desk Nigeria: Sebastian Barroso de Fonseca, Head of German Desk Nigeria
• German Desk Kenya: Patricia Jannack, Head of German Desk Kenya
• Project Development Programme of the German Energy Solutions Initiative: Hillary Chesebe Ndiwa

C: Skilled Labour and Local Content
Shortage of skilled labor is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to implementing projects or selling and applying German technology in Africa. Meanwhile, "local content" is becoming increasingly important for African business partners. Luckily, training and qualification of skilled personnel is a key strength of many German companies, which places significant value not only on installation but also on local operation and maintenance.
In response to this challenge, some German companies have taken the initiative to establish their own academies in Africa to provide training. Some German educational institutions are also expanding their offerings.

This forum aims at bringing together operators of such academies and businesses with a need for skilled labor, providing them with an opportunity to learn about training options and exchange experiences.
The German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports small and medium-sized German companies in the energy sector in expanding into international markets. Its objectives include promoting the export of climate-friendly energy solutions and strengthening the international competitiveness of German businesses.
The initiative offers a variety of services, including a global business travel program for the energy sector, a project development programme, a special trade fair program, and support for consortium formation. Additionally, the initiative highlights numerous market opportunities through sector studies and target market analyses.

The German Energy Solutions Initiative is represented by Angelika Farhan-Reimpell, Head of the Coordination Office
We also expect representatives from some of the following organizations:

• WILO East Africa (WILO Academy)
• SAPVIA - South African Photovoltaics Association (PV GreenCard)
• RENAC - Renewable Energy Academy