DEG hosts Africa Finance and Investment Forum 2014

• Around 200 participants from more than 40 countries
• International conference held in Germany for the first time

Investment opportunities in Africa are the focus of the "Africa Finance and Investment Forum 2014" (AFIF). On 4 and 5 June, the 2014 edition takes place at the headquarters of DEG - Deutsche Investitions - und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, in Cologne. The conference addresses policy and business decision makers, primarily from Africa and Europe.

The Brussels-based network EMRC International organises the Forum for the seventh time already. In his welcoming speech Bruno Wenn, Chairman of DEG's Management Board said, "We are particularly pleased that the "German debut" takes place at DEG in Cologne." The event was opened by Prof. Monty Jones, President EMRC, and Thomas Silberhorn, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Around 200 participants from more than 40 countries can expect a full programme, including plenary and panel sessions, B2B sessions and networking. AFIF 2014 concentrates on the growth markets of sub-Saharan Africa, which currently are among the fastest growing economies in the world.

"German enterprises are often still reluctant to be active in Africa," stated DEG Chairman Wenn. That was also why DEG agreed to host the 2014 AFIF edition. "Right here at home we wish to help create a greater interest in Africa as an investment location. Because we are convinced that entrepreneurial initiative is needed to open up future markets, to facilitate progress and to give people new opportunities."

In addition to Bruno Wenn, speakers include André Laude, Chief Investment Officer of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group; Heike Rüttgers, Head of Division at the European Investment Bank and Luiz Eduardo Melin, Managing Director at the Development Bank of Brazil, BNDES.

DEG's offer to host AFIF 2014 confirms its strong ties with Africa, a strategic focus. Since its foundation in 1962, DEG has been active on the continent, where it is today represented with offices in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Africa currently accounts for around 20 per cent of DEG's portfolio, which is equivalent to roughly one billion euros.

In the framework of the 2014 edition of AFIF, EMRC will present the "Project Incubator Award" to acknowledge innovative ideas created by small and medium-sized enterprises from sub-Saharan Africa.