Dr. Markus Schulte

Dr. Markus Schulte is Deputy Head of the Regional Office for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean at the European Investment Bank (EIB), based in Pretoria. He is responsible for the Bank’s public-sector operations in the region, with a strong focus on climate action, sustainable infrastructure, and SME financing in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

Markus has more than 15 years of experience in development finance, covering both private- and public-sector operations. Before his post in South Africa, he worked at the EIB’s headquarters in Luxembourg as Senior Investment Officer, covering investments in financial institutions across Africa, with a strong emphasis on blending EU operations to expand access to finance for SMEs, agriculture value chains, and climate-smart projects. Prior to this he managed multiple microfinance investment funds.

Holding a doctorate in development finance, Markus combines technical expertise with hands-on experience in structuring innovative financial solutions that promote sustainable growth, private-sector development, and job creation across Africa.