DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH announced that 2024 marked a record year for new business, with EUR 2.5 billion committed to private investments in developing and emerging countries. This amount surpasses the previous year's commitment of EUR 1.9 billion. DEG also mobilized an additional EUR 583 million from other investors, increasing its portfolio to EUR 11.6 billion, supporting investments across more than 70 countries.
Increased commitments were made towards climate action and environmental protection projects, totaling EUR 1,195 million in 2024 compared to EUR 680 million in the previous year. Notable investments included two photovoltaic plants with battery storage systems in Senegal and a green hydrogen plant in Uzbekistan.
“DEG is in demand to support private companies through their transformation and mobilise private capital, even – and especially – in challenging times. We generated the best new business volume and also set a new portfolio record in our 60-year company history in 2024," said DEG CEO Roland Siller.
German SMEs received significant support, with DEG providing EUR 620 million, setting another record compared to the previous year's EUR 561 million. This funding supported various projects including nutritious food production in India by Lorenz using funds from the ImpactConnect programme.
The development impact of DEG's co-financed investments is substantial, as existing customers employed approximately 2.9 million people and generated local income of EUR 202 billion last year.
Beyond financing, DEG offers advisory services tailored to customer needs. Through its subsidiary DEG Impulse, it committed around EUR 20 million for over 120 projects aimed at sustainable supply chain development and employee upskilling.
Regionally, Latin America received the highest share of financing commitments at EUR 795 million, followed by Africa/MENA with EUR 609 million and Asia with EUR 535 million.
Looking ahead to 2025, DEG anticipates continued demand for its financing and advisory services. “The EU guarantees provided to us through the Global Gateway initiative play a key role here," stated Roland Siller.