Speaking at TXF Global, Jebsen & Jessen CEO Ralf Schwarzhaupt highlighted a booming project pipeline despite Middle East headwinds, calling for fewer regulations, faster decision-making, and a level playing field.

Long tenors remain the scarce commodity in Sub-Saharan social infrastructure. But Mitrelli has reached financial close on a 19-year Atradius-backed loan for the Katyavala Bwila University (KBU) expansion in Angola — a structure that shows how ECA cover can push out the tenor envelope for education infrastructure on the continent.

Fragmented Gulf procurement, tighter local liquidity, strained country limits and Saudi-scale ambition are forcing ECAs beyond the classic tied facility. Shopping lines, untied lending, framework deals and regional agencies are filling the gap — but flexibility brings its own distortions.