Independent Strategic Advisory for Complex Projects
Blackbird helps project stakeholders develop bankable project structures by aligning financing strategy, procurement, supply chains and supplier capabilities.
Our advisory is independent because we are not tied to any specific financing institution, Export Credit Agency, supplier, equipment brand or sourcing jurisdiction. This allows us to assess each opportunity based on the needs of the project and the requirements of the intended financing route, rather than promoting a predetermined provider or solution.
Blackbird in a nutshell
A short explainer on how procurement, supply chains and financing alignment support bankable projects.
Why Blackbird
Blackbird was created from direct experience with the practical challenges of structuring and executing large cross-border projects.
Financing, procurement, supplier selection, exportable content and execution are often managed as separate workstreams. In practice, decisions made in one area can directly affect the credibility, eligibility and executability of the entire project.
Our experience across procurement, supply chains and ECA-backed project environments allows us to identify these connections early, translate financing requirements into practical sourcing and supplier strategies, and help stakeholders address structural gaps before they become execution constraints.
Blackbird brings an independent and integrated perspective to the project, helping owners, contractors, suppliers and financing stakeholders work towards a structure that is coherent, bankable and executable.
Our Foundation
Mission
To help complex projects become more compatible with government-backed export financing by aligning project structures, procurement strategies, supply chains and financing requirements.
Vision
To build an enduring advisory firm that contributes to Africa’s long-term development by enabling cross-border opportunities that strengthen local value creation and deliver lasting positive impact.
Caring
We consider the wider impact of the projects and decisions we support.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our commitments, recommendations and professional word.
Transparency
We communicate assumptions, limitations and potential conflicts clearly.
What makes our approach different
Procurement is not simply the process of purchasing goods and services. Within complex and ECA-supported projects, procurement decisions can influence sourcing credibility, exportable content, supplier participation, implementation risk and financing flexibility.
Blackbird considers these elements together, helping clients move from isolated assumptions toward a more coherent project structure.
Experience behind Blackbird
Blackbird is led by Marco Exner, whose career spans more than 25 years across international trade, procurement, supply chains, infrastructure and business development. His early experience included building export operations, developing commercial and supply chain structures, and managing cross-border import and export activities.
For more than 16 years, he has supported major infrastructure projects across Africa and Europe, working with contractors, suppliers, financing stakeholders and European Export Credit Agencies. His experience includes procurement strategy, supplier engagement, exportable content development and the operational implementation of ECA-backed project structures.
Marco holds a Master’s degree in International Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy from Georgia Tech and brings together entrepreneurial, operational and executive perspectives. This background provides the foundation for Blackbird’s independent advisory approach to project and financing structuring.