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Jakarta, 4 July 2025 – The African region is increasingly promising as a non-traditional export destination for Indonesia, with exports expected to reach USD 6.3 billion by 2024. Although this represents only 2.4% of total national exports, this trend represents an auspicious opportunity for expansion into various strategic sectors.
As a concrete manifestation of Indonesia's economic diplomacy, the Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (LPEI)/Indonesia Eximbank hosted a visit from seven Indonesian Ambassadors to African countries on June 24, 2025 to strengthen synergy in opening export market access to this increasingly strategic region.
This meeting, facilitated in collaboration with Bank Mandiri, is part of an effort to expand national export penetration through the Regional Special Export Assignment (PKE) program, particularly to countries previously unreached by commercial financing.
"Through the Regional PKE, Indonesia Eximbank is here to finance exports to regions with great potential but high risks, such as Africa, which are often underserved by commercial financing. This is expected to boost the competitiveness of Indonesian export products in the global market," said Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Director Sukatmo Padmosukarso.
Not only does PKE Kawasan support the export of goods and services to potential markets, but it also serves as an instrument for Indonesia Eximbank to fulfill its role in economic diplomacy through strategic financing in key national sectors. As of May 2025, PKE Kawasan financing has penetrated more than 30% of countries in the African region, with an accumulated financing value of IDR 5.15 trillion in the area. Supported projects include the export of CN-235 aircraft to Senegal, geotechnical survey services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the distribution of cement products in the region.
The primary commodities that are the mainstay of Indonesia's exports to the African region in 2024 reflect the strength of national strategic sectors. Vegetable and animal fats and oils are the most significant contributors, accounting for 50.1% of Indonesia's total exports to Africa, equivalent to a value of around USD 3.2 billion, making them the largest export commodity to the region. Followed by paper and cardboard, with an export value of USD 328 million (5.2%), as well as vehicles and accessories, which contributed around USD 295 million (4.7%). This figure confirms Africa's enormous potential as a growing export market and underscores the importance of prioritizing it in Indonesia's foreign trade strategy.
The Indonesian Ambassadors to the African region expressed their appreciation for Indonesia Eximbank's concrete support. They expressed their readiness to serve as a bridge of communication between Indonesian businesses and their African partners. The meeting also emphasized the importance of collaborative economic diplomacy. The diplomatic representatives stated that this was a particularly opportune moment, given that Africa is opening up opportunities for countries like Indonesia, which boasts a positive historical track record.
"Africa is not just an alternative market, but a representation of the future. The emotional closeness that has existed since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference provides important historical capital that can be utilized as a gateway to strengthen Indonesia's economic diplomacy in the African region," stated Ambassador Bambang Suharto, Indonesian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Not only that, but Indonesia Eximbank also continues to strengthen its role beyond financing by fostering SMEs through the CPNE (Coaching Program for New Exporters) program. Various success stories have emerged from this program, such as CV Kwadungan JavaCoffee, which successfully penetrated the Libyan market; CV Jaya Saliem, which exported cocoa products to Mozambique; and CV Mitraindo Shoes, which supplied footwear to South Africa. This effort highlights Indonesia Eximbank's role in building a sustainable export chain while empowering small business actors to move up a class and #BeraniMendunia.
The seven Indonesian Ambassadors who attended the meeting were:
Media Liason
Sam Malee
Corporate Secretary – Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia
Ph. : (021) 39503600
Email : corpsec@indonesiaeximbank.go.id
Web : http://www.indonesiaeximbank.go.id
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