Germany’s newly merged prime development aid agency, GIZ, is finally getting into gear – and slowly but surely, more details are emerging about the future of the country’s international cooperation.
Devex spoke with German officials and aid experts to map out next steps in the country’s biggest aid reform in years. Many of the details have long been kept secret, some plans remain vague. But clear is that this leading implementing agency is eager to cut costs and engage the private sector in the promotion of good governance and sustainable development in Africa and elsewhere around the globe.
German development aid is led by the cabinet-level minister, who as the head of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, or BMZ, cooperates closely with the country’s foreign minister. GIZ was formed on Jan. 1 after the long-awaited merger of three aid organizations – German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), German Development Service (DED) and InWent – in an effort to streamline operations and increase efficiency.