Africa Business Network

Africa is a continent full of potential. With its 54 countries, a young and dynamic population, and a spirit of innovation, it offers numerous markets of the future. Trade and investment are key drivers of sustainable growth and employment across the region.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) is building on its long-standing success in supporting German companies as they enter international markets. This not only strengthens the German economy, but also creates new opportunities for economic development in Africa – helping to drive greater prosperity on both sides. This creates true win-win situations for both African and German businesses.

How does the Africa Business Network support German companies?

Through the digital Africa Business Guide – provided by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) – companies can access comprehensive information about doing business in all 54 African countries. The platform offers insights into high-potential sectors, connects users with local contacts, and shares real-life experience from other businesses.

To ensure tailored support throughout every stage of a business venture, companies are also assisted by dedicated contact persons at the Africa Business Network Office – from the initial project idea to its successful implementation.

In addition, the Africa Business Network builds on existing foreign trade and investment promotion by offering additional support measures to help companies enter African markets. Here is an overview of the Africa Business Network's current offerings:

Africa advisory vouchers

The Africa advisory vouchers provided by the BMWE help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to enter African markets by providing grants for tailored, in-depth consulting services – making it easier to get started.

This initiative is open to companies from all industries and covers all African target markets. The advisory services can include:

• Business case development and financial modelling
• Arranging local contacts, including with potential business partners
• Legal and regulatory frameworks
• Financing and financing negotiations
• Establishing a local branch
• Country-specific customs and import regulations
• Market analysis and research
• Building sales and distribution networks
• Logistics and transportation
• Certifications and standards

Advisory services are delivered by qualified national and international consulting firms and organisations with proven experience in supporting businesses as they prepare to enter and grow in African markets. You can find the list of approved consultants and organisations here.

For more detailed information on the Africa advisory vouchers, please click here. In addition, theAfrica Business Network Office also provides information about the Africa advisory vouchers and the requirements for eligible business projects. For a non-binding preliminary consultation, feel free to get in touch at beratungsgutscheine@gtai.de.

Industry experts

The industry experts of the Africa Business Network identify concrete business opportunities in promising sectors across African markets. These are local specialists with deep industry knowledge and strong technical expertise. They are based at the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry abroad (AHKs) or delegations of German industry in the following countries and sectors:

• Egypt – Water management
• Ghana – Construction industry
• Morocco – Automotive industry
• Angola – Agriculture and food industry
• Côte d'Ivoire – Environmental technologies

The business opportunities identified on the ground are provided free of charge by the Africa Business Network Office to companies that have registered for this service. In addition, these opportunities are shared with member companies via relevant industry associations.

Companies can easily register their interest by contacting beratungsgutscheine@gtai.de or by filling in the contact form. For more information about the industry experts, please click here.

Market development through collaboration

The Africa Business Network also offers collaborative projects to help German companies build sustainable business relationships in African markets. These projects enable participating companies to work together strategically in their target markets and gradually open up these markets as a group.

For detailed information about current collaborative projects in Morocco (automotive industry) and Côte d'Ivoire (water management), as well as registration details, please click here.

German Desks

Established in 2017, the German Desks serve as advisory offices that facilitate communication between banks in the target countries and German companies, along with their local trade partners. Through the programme of the German Investment and Development Corporation (DEG), three bank representatives in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya offer financing solutions on-site specifically for German SMEs. For more information on the German Desks, please click here.