Equity Group Holdings Plc and DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, the German Development Finance Institution, have launched the German Desk in East Africa, aimed at expanding financial and business support services for European SMEs and their local partners. This initiative is part of Equity Group’s strategic effort to attract European businesses to East Africa and facilitate cross-border trade and investment in the region.
The German Desk will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including account opening, trade facilitation and finance, transaction banking, credit lines, introductions, and investment support. These services are designed to strengthen business ties, foster trade partnerships, and enable local companies to acquire German equipment and technology. Through collaboration with DEG and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), Equity aims to simplify business processes and accelerate growth for German and other European businesses in East Africa.
“Supporting German businesses in Africa is a long-term strategic focus for DEG, and we are delighted to partner with Equity Bank Kenya for the German Desk,” said Ms. Petra Kotte, Senior Director of Infrastructure, Energy, and German Business at DEG. “By offering tailored financial solutions and fostering cross-border partnerships, we empower businesses to seize opportunities in this dynamic market.”
The German Desk is a cornerstone of Equity Group’s Global Partners Program, which aims to build connections with European markets, particularly Germany. Through tailored financial solutions and business linkage services, Equity is positioning itself as a gateway for German and European companies looking to enter East Africa.
“This partnership with DEG is a major milestone as we strengthen our international presence and facilitate cross-border trade,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO. “The German Desk will serve as a platform for German and European businesses to access the vibrant East African market, while supporting local businesses in their growth, in line with our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.”
Dr. Mwangi added, “For decades, Africa hasn’t fully benefited from the global economic order. To take its rightful place, the continent needs strong partnerships that bring it to the table. Europe, and Germany in particular, can play a key role in this transformation through private-sector-led partnerships.”
The German Desk arrives at a time when German-Kenyan trade relations are on the rise. Germany is one of Kenya’s major trading partners in Europe, with significant trade in sectors like automotive, machinery, and chemicals. The German Desk, which is part of the Africa Business Network (“Wirtschaftsnetzwerk Afrika”) and supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), is expected to strengthen these ties by providing targeted financial services and facilitating deeper business connections.
Sebastian Groth, the German Ambassador to Kenya, emphasized the broader economic impact: “The German Desk reflects the growing economic partnership between Germany and Kenya. This initiative will benefit German businesses and contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development and that of the wider East African region.”
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, also highlighted the potential of this partnership, saying, “SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s economy. This collaboration between Equity and DEG, supported by the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, showcases the vast potential of Kenyan and East African SMEs to drive prosperity.”
Located in Nairobi, the German Desk will serve clients and partners across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Staffed by bilingual professionals with deep knowledge of both German and East African markets, the team is equipped to understand and address the unique needs of German firms and their local partners. The launch event, hosted at the German Ambassador’s residence in Nairobi, was attended by prominent figures from business, diplomatic, and development sectors.
Through this initiative, Equity and DEG aim to create a thriving ecosystem that facilitates business growth, encourages foreign investment, and strengthens the economic bridge between East Africa and Europe.
