According to figures from the Deutsche Bundesbank, the stock of German direct investment worldwide stood at 1,750 billion euros at the end of 2024.

However, investing in new markets can be risky and highly complex, and securing finance can be difficult. These are likely to be the reasons why German companies have so far invested relatively little in growth markets in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In 2025, for example, the African continent accounted for only around 1.8 per cent of Germany’s global exports. This share has thus remained stagnant since the early 2000s.

To support German companies as they enter new markets, the Federal Government provides assistance through various federal programmes. One of these is the so-called investment guarantee scheme. But what exactly does this involve, and when and where might such guarantees be of interest to German companies? You’ll find the answers in this podcast episode.

Oliver Nuß is Senior Treasury Manager at the Knauf Group.

Sabine Paulus is Editorial Treasury Manager for the Equity & Debt and Risk Management departments at VDT e.V.

Have a listen now.

Note regarding the podcast content