KUKE Named Leading Export Credit Agency in Sub-Saharan Africa

KUKE, Poland’s export credit agency, has been awarded the prestigious title of Leading Export Credit Agency – Sub-Saharan Africa, recognizing it as the top export credit agency operating in the region this year.

Since January, KUKE has insured transactions across 124 global markets, with one-fifth of those being member states of the African Union. In these markets, the agency empowers Polish enterprises to grow their sales, execute investments, and participate in key development projects, such as building transport infrastructure and modernizing healthcare and educational facilities.

The distinction was awarded as part of the renowned GTR+ MEA Leaders in Trade Awards 2026, as voted by the readers of Global Trade Review, a leading publication covering international trade and investment. This achievement follows KUKE’s 2025 win as “Best ECA,” honoring it as the best export credit agency in the world.

This recognition validates the strong market position we have built through our dedicated efforts over the past several years. Thanks to our support - and the utilization of Polish products and technologies - strategic investments are currently underway across numerous African nations, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, and from the Sahara to the Cape of Good Hope.

KUKE’s growing commitment in Africa translates into broader opportunities for safe international expansion for Polish businesses. Alongside major corporations, we want smaller enterprises - which possess attractive products and expertise but face greater challenges in reaching foreign buyers - to benefit from these opportunities as well. We offer tailored solutions for exporters, investors, contractors, and suppliers, regardless of the scale of their operations.

Janusz Władyczak, CEO of KUKE

From Railways in Tanzania to Hospitals in Côte d’Ivoire

KUKE supports initiatives that modernize transport and energy networks, as well as improve access to healthcare and education across African nations. Key projects include the construction of a railway line in Tanzania backed by over $2.3 billion in financing, the $1 billion modernization of ports in Lagos, Nigeria, and the construction of a 350-kilometer high-voltage power line in Uganda valued at more than €340 million. The agency is also actively involved in developing medical infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire and educational facilities in Angola.

Projects of this scale require reliable suppliers of equipment, materials, and specialized services. For Polish enterprises - including smaller businesses - this creates opportunities to secure new clients and international contracts. Through its Shop in Poland initiative, KUKE connects foreign ventures with the offerings of domestic companies, facilitating their participation in global, primarily infrastructure-related, projects.

We estimate that within the next two years, the total value of projects implemented with KUKE’s participation across African markets will reach $10 billion. In many countries across the continent, we are witnessing reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, progressive economic stabilization, and positive shifts fostering the growth of local markets and communities. Alongside KUKE’s growing financial capacity, we will continue to expand our engagement, opening the door even wider for Polish businesses.

Janusz Władyczak, CEO of KUKE

Promising Outlook for Africa

According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, seven of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in 2027 will be African nations. Sudan is projected to lead the ranking with 15% GDP growth (following 7% growth in 2026), followed closely by Uganda at nearly 10%. Ethiopia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, and Niger follow, each expected to expand at a pace exceeding 6.5%.

The IMF estimates that GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa will reach 4.5% in both 2026 (an upward revision from the previous 4.3% forecast, driven by stabilizing global supply chains and domestic reforms across the region) and 2027. IMF analysts also highlight the progress made by Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia in their debt restructuring processes. While noting delays in other nations, they point out that a new approach from financial institutions and the international community should accelerate future debt restructurings.

Polish Entrepreneurs Protect Their Business and Spread Their Wings Abroad

For companies planning or already conducting operations in foreign markets, KUKE provides protection against the risk of non-payment for exported goods and services. The agency insures direct investments (greenfield, brownfield, and acquisitions) and facilitates access to financing for such ventures by guaranteeing the repayment of bank loans obtained for these purposes. It also offers contract guarantees, enabling Polish firms to bid in international tenders for supply and investment projects. KUKE’s flagship initiative, Shop in Poland, provides domestic manufacturers and contractors - including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - with direct access to international investment projects.

The value of foreign sales and investment backed by KUKE has grown rapidly this year. In the first half of the year, the agency covered turnover increased by 20% year-on-year, reaching nearly PLN 30 billion.

Planning an investement in Africa and looking for financing options with content from credible Poland's suppliers? Contact us to explore how KUKE can support your project.

Łukasz Kowalski
Email: Lukasz.Kowalski@kuke.com.pl
Phone: +48 691 170 332