How do international infrastructure projects come about that foster sustainable development while simultaneously creating new export opportunities for German companies? In this episode of Export Echo, we discuss the Rural Electrification Project in Angola—one of the largest projects in sub-Saharan Africa supported by German federal export credit guarantees. Together with Jenny Tala (Germany Trade & Invest) and Rodrigo Costeira (MCA Group), host Jennifer Loewen examines how the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, the collaboration within "Team Germany," and the practical mechanics of ECA-backed EPC project financing contribute to the successful implementation of sustainable infrastructure projects. The discussion focuses on the challenges of a large-scale solar project designed for rural electrification in Angola—an initiative providing solar power and battery storage to more than a million people across 60 rural communities. Furthermore, the episode explores the vital role played by German companies and the opportunities opening up in Africa, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Guests: Jenny Tala, Director Southern Africa at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, since 2024, Jenny helps businesses identify and capitalize on opportunities in African and Southern African markets. At GTAI, she manages the new German Global Gateway Investment Hub—the national entry point for European companies seeking project support under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Notable quote: “The MCA project sends a very positive and powerful message because it shows that large-scale renewable energy projects can be successfully implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa, even in challenging environments.” — Jenny Tala, Director Southern Africa, GTAI Rodrigo Costeira, Head of Structured Finance at MCA Group (MCA Germany), oversees structured and ECA-backed financing for the MCA Group, which operates in infrastructure, energy, urban development, and healthcare across Europe and Africa. He led the financing structure for the flagship Angolan Rural Electrification Programme, one of the largest solar EPC transactions in sub-Saharan Africa. Notable Quote: “Structure, structure, structure. You need to plan for every risk from day one. The risks you imagine will happen – on projects of this magnitude, it is only a matter of time.” — Rodrigo Costeira, Head of Structured Finance, MCA Group (MCA Deutschland) Key Takeaways “Team Germany” simplifies access to support GTAI, federal export credit guarantees, GIZ, and other partners work closely together to provide companies with financing, consulting, and market access from a single source. Sustainable energy for rural regions in Angola The project supplies electricity to 60 communities—partly through grid expansion and partly through decentralized solar and battery systems—thereby improving living conditions for more than a million people. German companies benefit across the entire supply chain More than 200 German companies were involved in the project—ranging from solar technology, cables, and steel to engineering services and insurance. EPC projects thus open up access to international markets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well. Export financing makes major projects possible Export credit guarantees provide planning certainty, improve financing terms, and enable long-term infrastructure investments in growth markets. Listen now to learn more about Global Gateway and major EPC projects! Contact us by phone at +49 40 / 88 34 - 90 00 or write us: www.exportkreditgarantien.de/en/contact.html Further information: www.exportkreditgarantien.de/en/knowledge/knowledge-transfer/background-knowledge/collaboration.html www.gtai.de/, www.gtai.de/globalgateway www.mca-group.com www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de Follow us: www.linkedin.com/company www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-loewen-7994743a/
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