DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH has introduced a new guarantee instrument called TradeConnect, designed to support small-volume trade transactions for German companies in developing and emerging markets. The first cooperation agreement under this programme was signed on December 2, 2025, with Access Bank in Nigeria.
TradeConnect aims to address the challenge of limited local financing options that often hinder smaller export and import deals. By providing guarantees for up to EUR 5 million or a maximum of 50% of the loan volume, TradeConnect helps local banks extend credit to partners of German companies. Initially, the instrument will be available through Access Bank in sub-Saharan Africa.
The signing ceremony took place in Lagos, attended by Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank; Klaus Helsper, Head of Department German Business at DEG; Daniel Krull, the German Consul General; and representatives from German firms such as Bosch, DHL, KHS and Wilo.
Jan Müller, head of the Connect programmes at DEG, stated: “Small-volume transactions in particular often fail due to a lack of financing at local level. With our new TradeConnect programme, we’re creating an innovative solution here.”
TradeConnect builds on DEG’s existing offerings for German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating abroad. These services include long-term financing for SMEs and industrial firms; ImpactConnect loans for smaller investments; German Desks that help bridge financial and language barriers in sub-Saharan Africa; and business support services from DEG Impulse focused on sustainability and climate issues.
The introduction of TradeConnect is expected to strengthen trade relations between Germany and developing regions while reducing risks for participating businesses.
An overview of all DEG’s services can be found online.