DEG – more than finance. Solutions for a changing world
Ever since our foundation in 1962, we have been providing financing and advice to private enterprises in developing and emerging-market countries. Finding solutions for changing circumstances is part of our DNA and that of our customers.
1960s
1960: OECD is founded
From 1960: Several African countries gain independence
1961: Cold War leads to building of the Berlin Wall
1969: First moon landing
Kai-Uwe von Hassel and Walter Scheel: Their initiative gives rise to DEG
DEG is founded on 14 September 1962 in Cologne, starting with around 30 staff members. Focus is initially Africa, the first project being in Tanzania.
1970s
1976: Group of Seven/G7 is formed
1978: Democratisation processes start in Latin America
1979: First UN World Climate Conference in Geneva
From 1979: First steps to open up China’s economic system
DEG provides 171 million Deutsche Marks in the first ten years – in line with political guidelines on joint ventures with German companies.
1980s
1982: Worldwide recession resulting from oil price crises
Globalisation gathers speed
Second-generation Southeast Asian “tiger states” experience dynamic growth
1989: Democratisation processes in Eastern Bloc countries. Fall of the Berlin Wall
DEG increasingly finances the founding of SMEs via investments in local development banks. By 1982 more than 125,000 jobs are created in this way in 64 developing countries.
1990er
1992: UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro: Agenda 21
1997: Kyoto Protocol – binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions
1998: G7 expanded to G8 with Russian Federation
DEG becomes involved in South-South cooperative ventures and operates in the transition countries of Eastern Europe. First DEG local offices are set up in partner countries.
2000s
2000: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed. The focus: fight against poverty
Economic rise of BRIC countries
2008: Global financial crisis
2001: DEG becomes a subsidiary of KfW and is able to further expand its promotional business in cooperation with private companies. In 2007 DEG commits for the first time more than 1 billion euros. Move to new headquarter in Cologne city centre in 2008.
2010s
2015: Worldwide poverty significantly reduced
2015: UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development: 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2019: First worldwide climate strike, initiated by “Fridays for Future”
Geothermal plants, wind farms and solar parks: DEG makes targeted investment into renewable energy projects of private companies. In 2012, DEG turns 50. Since 2016 it has been measuring the development impact of its customers with the Development Effectiveness Rating (DERa) guided by SDGs.
2020s
Global coronavirus pandemic
Extreme weather events in many countries
Geopolitical conflicts with worldwide impact
To date, around 650 employees are committed to support private companies in developing countries, providing finance and advice. DEG is directly active on site in 19 locations worldwide, with a total portfolio of EUR 9.2 billion. With its focused strategy “DEG 2030 – Impact/Climate Returns”, DEG has placed even more emphasis on positive development and climate impacts.
Looking forward
Our impact + climate ambition
In collaboration with our customers we will
· create even more positive development impact
· reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the DEG portfolio climate neutral by 2040
· shape transformation – with resilient, future-proof private sector business models
