Organized by
Global change is reshaping the world and transforming market conditions in many emerging and developing countries. These dynamic environments offer innovative businesses a wide range of attractive opportunities. In such a rapidly evolving landscape, tapping into new markets—especially in Europe’s immediate neighborhood—offers substantial potential to future-proof your business strategy and position your company for sustainable growth (nearshoring).
Successfully entering and operating in the Mediterranean and Middle East region presents certain challenges—but companies don’t have to face them alone. A wide range of funding programs and support services are available to guide you through this process. Among the many financial support instruments offered by institutions such as BMZ, DEG, and GTAI, you will find the right fit for your business.
As always, EMA is here to support you—from market analysis and entry strategies to on-the-ground implementation—and connects you with key stakeholders to help you build impactful and lasting business relationships.
To provide you with a comprehensive overview of current funding opportunities, EMA warmly invites you to the following online roundtable:
Online Roundtable
“BMZ Support Programs for the Private Sector”
Online (Zoom) | June 18, 2025 | 4:00–5:00 PM CEST
Event Language: German
This roundtable will provide valuable insights into BMZ’s funding instruments for private enterprises and offer you the opportunity to directly engage with leading experts to discuss your individual questions and project ideas.
Take advantage of this concise and accessible format to learn more about diverse funding opportunities and find the right support for the successful and forward-looking implementation of your business plans. EMA looks forward to your participation!
Program:
- Welcome remarks: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Hartwig, Managing Partner, aqua & waste International GmbH; Lecturer at University of Hanover; EMA Board Member
- Overview of the “Business Network Africa” and other funding opportunities from GTAI and BMWE: Dr. Felix Guntermann, Business Network Africa, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), Berlin
- Introduction to the develoPPP program, with a practical case study on solar-powered irrigation systems by SEKEM Holding: Abbad El-Rayyes, Project Manager, develoPPP, DEG Impulse gGmbH, Cologne
- ImpactConnect – a streamlined financing program for German SMEs operating in developing and emerging countries: Marie-Christine Schon, Senior Analyst, ImpactConnect, DEG, Cologne
- Q&A and Open Discussion: Moderated by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Hartwig
Your contact person:
Jens Kutscher
J.Kutscher@ema-germany.org
+49 (0)30 25 35 72 92
Impressions from the Online Roundtable “BMZ Funding Programs for the Private Sector”
The digital roundtable on the funding programs of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) attracted considerable interest, with around 60 participants. The aim of the event was to inform German companies about existing support instruments for economic engagement in developing and emerging countries—with a particular focus on the Mediterranean and Middle East regions.
Opening by EMA and Practice-Oriented Introduction
The roundtable was opened by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Hartwig, Managing Director of aqua & waste International GmbH and EMA Board Member. In his welcome address, Prof. Hartwig emphasized the key role that the combination of technical expertise, partnership-based cooperation, and government funding plays in shaping a future-proof economic orientation for German businesses. While the dynamics in the target regions are challenging, they offer significant market potential when approached with proper preparation and strategic support.
Overview of Funding Programs from BMWK, GTAI, and the Business Network Africa
Dr. Felix Guntermann from Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) presented the structure and work of the Business Network Africa. This initiative serves as a central contact point for companies seeking to identify market opportunities and receive tailored advice for investments in African markets and neighboring regions. In addition to sector-specific market analyses and matchmaking formats, Dr. Guntermann also highlighted collaboration with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the provision of digital country and project platforms. He emphasized: “Our goal is to reduce risks and systematically unlock market opportunities.”
develoPPP – Practical Example SEKEM and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Development
A central highlight of the meeting was the contribution by Abbad El-Rayyes, Project Manager at DEG Impulse gGmbH. He provided hands-on insights into the BMZ funding program develoPPP, which specifically initiates partnerships with the private sector when they engage in developing and emerging countries. Using the example of SEKEM Holding in Egypt, he vividly demonstrated how solar-powered irrigation systems combined with sustainable agriculture are supported and implemented. El-Rayyes emphasized that develoPPP provides both financial assistance and expertise—“especially for medium-sized companies looking to combine sustainable impact with profitability.”
Concrete Financing: ImpactConnect as a Streamlined Program for SMEs
Marie-Christine Schon, Senior Analyst at DEG Cologne, concluded by presenting the financing instrument ImpactConnect. This tool is specifically aimed at German SMEs that want to operate in developing and emerging countries but lack access to traditional development instruments. ImpactConnect enables simple and flexible co-financing—with a focus on impact, innovation, and scalability. Schon highlighted that smaller investment volumes are also eligible for support, provided they demonstrate a clear development policy benefit.
Open Discussion and Next Steps
During the Q&A session, participants showed particular interest in the duration of application procedures and access options for smaller companies. The experts clarified that smaller projects are also eligible for funding if they offer a developmental benefit. Moreover, it was stressed that local partners on the ground are expressly welcomed and actively supported during the initiation phase—through matchmaking services and feasibility studies, for example.
Outlook
The event clearly demonstrated that in an increasingly complex global market environment, partnerships between the private sector, development cooperation, and public institutions are essential. EMA will continue to provide a platform for practical exchange and targeted support for companies entering new markets. Planned activities include in-depth workshops on funding instruments, individualized consulting services, and a delegation trip to the MENA region in fall 2025.
