KfW Invests US$32 Million in ATIDI to Support African Trade Growth
Germany’s development bank, KfW Development Bank, has officially become a shareholder in African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), in a move set to strengthen trade and investment flows between Germany and African markets.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi, marks KfW as the 13th institutional shareholder in ATIDI, reinforcing the insurer’s capital base and enhancing its capacity to support cross-border trade and investment across the continent.
The signing took place during a high-level meeting between ATIDI Chief Executive Officer Manuel Moses and Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, signalling Germany’s continued commitment to deepening economic ties with Africa.
KfW has invested US$32 million to acquire a D2-class shareholding in ATIDI. The investment is partly funded through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with the remainder coming from KfW’s own resources. The new status grants KfW representation in ATIDI’s governance structures and a role in shaping decisions aimed at strengthening trade and investment across Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses described the development as a significant milestone, noting that it not only strengthens the organisation’s partnership with Germany but also opens new opportunities for German investors seeking to expand into African markets.
KfW’s involvement builds on a long-standing partnership with ATIDI, through which it has already supported African countries’ membership in the institution with over US$100 million in financing. This has contributed to strengthening ATIDI’s ability to mitigate risk and attract private sector investment.
A member of KfW’s Executive Board, Christiane Laibach, said the move reflects a shared commitment to creating prosperity through stronger economic cooperation.
She noted that the partnership aims to unlock new business opportunities for European and German investors while supporting sustainable development across Africa.
Established in 1948, KfW is one of the world’s leading development banks, financing projects in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and small business development. Its shareholding in ATIDI is expected to stimulate up to US$500 million in trade and investment between German companies and African economies.
Over the past 25 years, ATIDI has grown into one of Africa’s leading providers of development insurance, supporting more than US$93 billion in trade and investment. The institution works closely with global and regional partners, including the African Union and the World Bank Group, to provide innovative insurance solutions that reduce risk and encourage investment.
Analysts say the partnership represents a strategic bridge between European financial expertise and Africa’s growing investment landscape. By combining KfW’s global experience with ATIDI’s regional knowledge, the collaboration is expected to unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen trade corridors, and support long-term economic transformation across the continent.
