Shore crane loading containers in freight ship .
Business location Germany

Business location Germany

Strengthening competitiveness

Germany is facing a decisive phase in which it must redefine its position in global competition. KfW is strengthening Germany's competitiveness as a business location with its diverse projects and programmes in Germany and abroad.

"Strengthening Germany's competitiveness" (2:21 min.) German with English subtitles
(Source: KfW / Detlev Karres / Thomas Schuch)

KfW Capital

invests in German and European venture capital funds that invest in growth-stage companies in Germany, thereby strengthening their capital base.

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In the coming years, it will be important to substantially strengthen Germany's competitiveness. KfW is already improving the competitiveness of the German and European economy with a wide range of initiatives and instruments: SMEs and the venture capital ecosystem are being strengthened - and climate-friendly key technologies and infrastructure are being expanded and modernised.

Promotion for SMEs

The German SME sector is a driver of innovation, growth and employment - far beyond the country's borders. Targeted support is needed to realise bold ideas, tap into new markets and achieve sustainable growth. In 2024, KfW provided EUR 13.4 billion to support companies with their plans for the future.

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KfW finances major infrastructure projects such as the expansion of energy and water supply systems, promotes investment in renewable energies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and supports German cities and municipalities in modernising their municipal infrastructure. KfW coordinates the supply of key raw materials, which is so essential for Germany, via a fund.

KfW IPEX-Bank

Global impact - strengthening the export industry, shaping the future: How KfW supports the German and European export industry in transformation projects.

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KfW supports German industry and SMEs around the world and represents German interests vis-à-vis countries with which it has been cooperating for decades. In this way, we support the German economy internationally in order to strengthen its competitiveness.

KfW Development Bank

Because development secures the future - Why development cooperation is so important and how KfW gets involved.

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The capital market plays a key role in mobilising private capital for investments in the sustainable transition. KfW mobilises private capital through the WIN initiative to strengthen the ecosystem for growth capital and the capital market conference for the German energy transition.

Climate protection in particular remains a key focus for KfW. After all, climate protection is not only an obligation to future generations, but also an important instrument for Germany's competitiveness. People are at the centre of all our activities!

Published on KfW Stories on 15 May 2025.