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By Victoria Musimbi
Nairobi– Germany has stepped up its economic engagement in Africa by announcing a new investment in the Nairobi-based African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), a move aimed at reducing investor risk and unlocking more private capital for the continent.
The announcement was made during the Nairobi launch of KfW Development Bank’s subscription into ATIDI, held at the German Ambassador’s residence in Nairobi. The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives to mark a new phase in Germany-Africa economic cooperation.
ATIDI Chief Executive Officer Manuel Moses said the partnership marks a significant milestone for the institution, noting that Germany’s entry as a shareholder strengthens ATIDI’s capital base and expands its capacity to support trade and investment across Africa.
“This partnership further strengthens ATIDI’s capital base and enhances our ability to support trade and investment across Africa,” Moses said, adding that it reflects growing confidence in ATIDI’s role as a leading development insurer.
He noted that the collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship, with KfW having previously committed more than USD 100 million to support African countries’ participation in ATIDI, significantly expanding the institution’s reach and impact.
Moses said the partnership aligns with broader global efforts, including the G20 Compact with Africa, aimed at mobilising sustainable private investment. It is expected to unlock up to USD 500 million in German trade and investment opportunities across African markets.
By combining KfW’s global development finance expertise with ATIDI’s regional risk mitigation tools, the partnership is expected to unlock investments in key sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
“This collaboration is essential in a global environment marked by volatility and uncertainty, and we are committed to building even stronger bridges between Europe and Africa’s investment landscape,” Moses said.
Germany’s Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan, who attended the event, said the investment reflects Germany’s broader strategy to deepen economic cooperation with Africa and mobilise private capital for development.
She emphasised that Germany’s approach focuses on creating a “win-win situation” for both African and German economies through job creation, vocational training, and sustainable growth.
“We are committed to facilitating investment and trade so that more private capital flows into Africa,” she said. “This benefits both German and African companies because they can invest more easily and better secure their supply chains.”
She also highlighted Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, citing visits to youth-led enterprises and a mobile clinic start-up serving rural communities as examples of growing local innovation and resilience.
Currently, around 120 German companies are invested in Kenya, a figure the minister said could grow further as economic ties deepen between the two countries.
She further announced that Germany, through KfW, will invest a total of USD 32 million, aimed at strengthening confidence in African markets and mobilising additional private capital for development-focused projects.
The minister acknowledged logistical challenges that delayed her arrival in Kenya, noting that although she missed parts of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi, Germany remained strongly represented.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to deepen German-Kenyan cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and sustainable development, with ATIDI positioned as a key institution helping to reduce risk and unlock Africa’s long-term economic potential.
