New Funding Guideline: Africa Consulting Vouchers for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) issued the funding guideline “Consulting Vouchers Africa within the framework of the Africa Economic Network” on September 1, 2026. It was published on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) under the official reference BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B2 and has thus entered into force. The granting authority is the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) in Eschborn.

Funding Objective and Target Group

The objective of the guideline is to enable small and medium-sized enterprises of the commercial economy, including crafts, to receive needs-oriented consulting for their economic projects in Africa. This is intended to facilitate market entry, increase competitiveness, and contribute to the preservation and creation of jobs in Europe and in African target markets.

Eligible applicants are legally independent SMEs with a place of business or branch in Germany and a substantial interest in entering the African market. Additionally, medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees and an annual turnover of up to 100 million euros are eligible for funding.

Scope and Amount of Funding

The grant is awarded as a non-repayable subsidy in the form of partial financing with a funding rate of 75 percent of the eligible expenditures. Up to 15 consulting days are funded per voucher; the consulting must be completed within six months of approval.

• Up to 864 euros net per consulting day: market analysis, market research, local business partners and contacts, customs and import regulations, logistics and transport
• Up to 1,080 euros net: business case calculation, certifications and standards, establishment of the sales structure
• Up to 1,296 euros net: financing, financing negotiations, establishment of a branch, legal framework

A company may claim a maximum of three consulting vouchers per calendar year with a maximum funding value of 43,740 euros net. Over the entire duration, a maximum of five vouchers with a funding value of up to 72,900 euros net are possible.

Consulting by Listed Providers

The funded consulting may only be carried out by consulting companies and organizations listed by BAFA. The listing is granted upon application and expires if no further consulting is carried out within two years.

• Minimum size of three permanently employed consultants (three full-time equivalents) with an Africa focus
• Proof of economic stability for the past three years
• Technical expertise and competition-neutral consulting as a core business
• Knowledge of foreign trade promotion by the federal and state governments
• Recognition of quality standards and consulting in the German language

Consulting must be conducted in a manner that is neutral in terms of competition and sales; the remuneration must correspond to customary market conditions. Any existing parallel business relationships between the consultant and the company must be disclosed without being requested.

Procedure and Period of Validity

Applications are submitted exclusively via the forms prescribed by BAFA. The funding is subject to the De-minimis ceilings (300,000 euros per Member State within three tax years) and the regulations of §§ 23 and 44 of the Federal Budget Code. The proof of use must be submitted within twelve weeks after completion of the service; on-site audits and random samples for success control are provided for.

The funding guideline is limited until February 28, 2027. For export-oriented companies planning an entry into African markets, the program offers predictable financial support for external consulting – from market analysis to the establishment of a branch office.

Source: Bundesanzeiger, BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B2, September 15, 2026, Official Part, pp. 1–6 (official reference: BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B2).