New funding guideline helps SMEs enter African markets

Africa is a continent with highly promising and fast growing markets. If they are to enjoy lasting success in their business with Africa, German firms need reliable local business contacts and precise knowledge of the country’s economic and legal environment.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find it more difficult than larger companies to acquire the necessary expertise and contacts. For this reason, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is issuing a new funding guideline to help SMEs access the African markets. The aim of the programme is to facilitate market entry to African countries by providing needs-oriented consultancy services.

The “Africa consulting vouchers” cover up to 85% of the cost of advisory services relating to the market entry itself, and also to legal and financial issues. The funding is addressed to SMEs with a permanent establishment or subsidiary in Germany

How the process works

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides grants in line with the funding guideline ‘Africa consulting vouchers within the framework of the Africa Business Network’. The applications are processed by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. The applicant companies may not have an annual turnover of more than €100 million, and must employ fewer than 500 people. A voucher can cover up to 15 consultancy days. Funding can be granted if the advice is provided by a consultancy firm which has been accepted onto a list by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control.

Before they submit their application, companies interested in an Africa consulting voucher can ask the listed consultancy firms and organisations about the services they offer.

Also, the office of the Africa Business Network provides information (beratungsgutscheine@gtai.de, Tel. 0228 24993349).

Online information and application forms can be found at www.bafa.de/bga.