British exports shine in multi-million pound African infrastructure and renewable energy deal
A partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) has enabled British firm Dints to secure a £12.5m contract as supplier to MCA’s infrastructure and renewable energy operations in Angola.
Established 18 years ago, Dints is a London-based project integrator bringing together buyers, suppliers, logistics providers and funding partners.
A loan guarantee issued by UKEF to Apple Bank means that the Portuguese contractor operating in Angola, MCA, can now access finance to purchase more than £12.5m in equipment through Dints. This will create opportunities for UK manufacturers to supply goods and services to the project.
Dints will provide vehicles, plant and machinery to support infrastructure and renewable energy projects in Angola. Enabling companies like Dints helps to grow the economy, delivering on the Plan for Change.
Recent partnerships with Dints have helped to generate over £21m in UK exports to markets including Peru, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Botswana. These projects support jobs across the UK supply chain, as Dints suppliers come from regions including Leicestershire, Yorkshire and Humber, Staffordshire, County Armagh, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said: “This deal opens a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses, helping to increase exports, boost jobs and grow the economy.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are firmly backing businesses to export around the world and reach new markets and this deal is a shining example of just that.”
Geoffrey de Mowbray, Dints’ CEO, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with MCA on this transaction. By bringing together UK and international suppliers with the support UKEF, AF Capital and Apple Bank’s support, suppliers are paid as if selling to their domestic markets while unlocking global opportunities. This approach makes UK exports more accessible as well as facilitating critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects and demonstrates the value of a coordinated, transparent export model in driving sustainable development.”
Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said “By providing a loan guarantee to Dints’ overseas client, we’re not only securing a substantial export opportunity for British suppliers but also helping to transform lives in Angola through improved access to critical infrastructure and renewable electricity. This is exactly the kind of win-win outcome we strive to achieve at UK Export Finance.”
Manuel Couto Alves, founder & chairman of MCA, added: “At MCA, we recognise the critical role that strategic partnerships play in driving meaningful and sustainable change. As we continue to expand our infrastructure operations and deliver world-class projects in Angola, it is clear that collaboration with financial institutions such as UK Export Finance and trusted suppliers like Dints is essential in achieving the ambitious goals of sustainable development.”
Stephen Peal, Group MP of Yorpower, a supplier on the project, said: “This has been an exciting opportunity for YorPower from the start. It is an honour to be supporting the energy transition in Angola, which is a new territory for us. Working along Dints has proven to be an outstanding route to new territories and opportunities across the world. We are able to grow and develop our brand without the complication export would normally present, by dealing locally in the UK with the experts at Dints.”
Charlie Style, business development manager at King Trailers, a supplier on the project, said: “King Trailers is proud to support Dints in delivering projects contributing to the sustainable development of communities in Angola. Our specialized transport solutions will play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of essential equipment, reinforcing our commitment to supporting global infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
This collaboration was made possible through the support of UK Export Finance (UKEF), which plays a crucial role in championing British manufacturing. UKEF’s backing not only enables companies like King Trailers to secure international contracts but also drives innovation and strengthens the UK supply chain. By providing financial support and export credit guarantees, UKEF helps safeguard skilled jobs at King Trailers and across the wider UK manufacturing sector, ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness on the global stage.”
UKEF issued the guarantee through its Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee product. By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, loans from or guaranteed by UKEF secure export contracts with good payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.