GIZ - Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

What GIZ - Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit does

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise wholly owned by the German Federal Government, headquartered in Bonn and Eschborn, that implements international cooperation projects on behalf of public-sector clients. Founded on 1 January 2011 through the merger of GTZ, DED, and InWEnt, GIZ supports partner countries across approximately 120 countries in fields including democracy and rule of law, digital transformation, peace and security, climate and environment, agriculture and food, sustainable infrastructure, social development, and economic development. It also operates advisory services for German industry on issues such as green hydrogen, circular economy, and digital inclusion.

GIZ delivers its mandate through a layered service stack: project implementation and capacity development (the core professional-services offering), a corporate academy (Akademie für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, with 300+ courses), a global network of 22 Digitalzentren plus tools such as DigiCheck, the FAIR Forward AI initiative (open-source language datasets and chatbots targeting 600+ million people in Africa and Asia), and the atingi e-learning platform (120,000 AI-course completions). Distribution is direct: commissions flow primarily from BMZ (~EUR 3.2 billion in 2024), with additional flows from BMUV, the Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, UN organisations, partner-country governments, and selected private-sector clients.

The business model is commission-based and cost-covering, with a small risk premium reinvested into further mandates; GIZ does not sell products to end users and is not listed on any exchange. A workforce of 24,530 (76% based abroad) executes 1,437 active contracts. The model produces large, stable, government-counterparty revenue but concentrates dependence on German federal budget allocations and BMZ policy priorities.

Name

GIZ - Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Legal name

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Website

https://giz.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

company_description_short GIZ is a German federal enterprise implementing international development cooperation projects on behalf of BMZ, the EU, and other public clients across 120+ countries, with expertise in climate, digital transformation, governance, and agriculture.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Development Cooperation Services

NAICS

International Affairs (928120), National Security and International Affairs (928), National Security and International Affairs (9281)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate, Environment & Natural Resource Management Aid Programs (BPADABAI), Program & Project Implementation (TA Delivery) (BPADAEAA), Development Cooperation & Foreign Aid Administration (BPAIAIAG)

Keywords

• International development cooperation
• Capacity building services
• Sustainable development consulting
• Digital transformation advisory
• Climate project implementation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bonn

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal Government Commissions: Primary revenue stream from German Federal Government, primarily through BMZ. In 2024, approximately EUR 3.2 billion commissioned by BMZ. Additional approximately EUR 450 million from other German public contracting authorities including Federal Ministry of Environment and Federal Foreign Office.
2. International Client Commissions: Business worth EUR 264 million commissioned and financed by international clients from industrialised, emerging and developing countries. Includes EU, UN organisations, foundations, and national governments.
3. European Union Projects: GIZ implements EU-funded programmes across partner countries, including development cooperation projects, climate initiatives, and digital transformation programmes.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

GIZ implements international cooperation projects for sustainable development on behalf of public sector clients, primarily the German Federal Government (BMZ), the European Union, UN organisations, and partner-country governments. It delivers advisory services, capacity development, training, and project implementation across sectors including digital transformation, climate and environment, agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, peace and security, and social development, operating in approximately 120 countries with a 2024 business volume of approximately EUR 4 billion.

Product overview

GIZ offers a portfolio of services in international cooperation for sustainable development. Its digital offerings include the main corporate website (giz.de), the Akademie für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (AIZ) providing over 300 training courses, the online learning platform atingi with AI courses completed by 120,000 users, the FAIR Forward initiative for accessible AI with language datasets in African and Asian languages, and a network of 22 Digitalzentren worldwide supporting digital transformation in partner countries through tools like DigiCheck for digital maturity assessment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Akademie für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (AIZ): The Academy for International Cooperation (AIZ) is GIZ's internal corporate academy. It offers training and professional development for GIZ staff, partners in international cooperation, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) professionals. It operates training hubs in Germany, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, Dakar, and Bogota, and maintains a learning portal at learning.giz.de.
• atingi
• FAIR Forward

Products and services

• International Development Cooperation Project Implementation Services
• Akademie für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (AIZ) Corporate Academy
• atingi Online Learning Platform
• FAIR Forward AI Initiative
• Digitalzentren (Digital Centers) Network
• Good Financial Governance Programme (including DMFAS 7 debt management support)
• International Hydrogen Ramp-Up (H2Uppp) Programme
• Western Kenya Soil Carbon Project (WEKSOCAP)
• Investments in Agroecology Value Chains Project (IAVCP)
• InCircular Project (Indonesia)
• Central Asia Private Sector Development Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 600+ million people in Asia and Africa prepared for AI services inclusion
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2026MOU signed to support development of cross-border payment systems and digital economy in East African Community. Partnership aims to enhance digital inclusion, skills development, and facilitate access to European markets for East African digital initiatives.
• thyssenkrupp nuceracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Cooperation under the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up (H2Uppp) programme funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Partnership to accelerate development of green hydrogen and power-to-X markets in India through detailed assessment of India's green hydrogen landscape and identification of strategic collaboration areas.
• TabreedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTabreed signed MoU with GIZ to drive energy-efficient district cooling in India, supporting sustainable infrastructure development.
• Stellar Development Foundation (SDF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted side event at Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development highlighting blockchain-based tools for underserved populations. Deployed Stellar Disbursement Platform enabling faster, transparent payments to over 900 healthcare workers in conflict-affected region.
• IFADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership under Investments in Agroecology Value Chains Project (IAVCP) funded by Government of Germany with EUR 16.7 million investment targeting 15,000 small-scale producers in Northeast India.
• OSCE Programme Office in BishkekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with State Customs Service of Kyrgyz Republic for 3rd International IT Conference on customs digital transformation. Focus on AI applications, digital transit solutions, and information system integration across Central Asia.
• Orange JordancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrange Jordan launched 'Private Sector Access to Support Startups' (PASS) programme as part of GIZ-implemented E4DE project, supporting 130 startups through skills development, training, and mentorship until October 2026.
• Government of IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-year development cooperation initiative InCircular Project launched to accelerate Indonesia's transition to circular economy, supporting Indonesia's Circular Economy Roadmap & Action Plan 2025-2045.
• Deutsche WelthungerhilfecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerImplementation partner for Western Kenya Soil Carbon Project (WEKSOCAP), building on ProSoil project's success in rehabilitating 87,000 hectares of farmland through Sustainable Agricultural Land Management practices.
• Soil-Carbon Certification Services (SCCS)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManaging entity for Western Kenya Soil Carbon Project, managing carbon credit certification for voluntary carbon credits initiative targeting 100,000 farmers.
• Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in IYBA-WE4A programme providing funding to over 1,000 women-led African businesses with $5,000 non-repayable seed capital, training, mentorship, and TEFConnect platform access.
• Regional Partners (Western Balkans)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership under Green Agenda for climate-resilient cities in Western Balkans, funded by Germany and involving multiple organisations for urban climate adaptation and sustainable mobility.
• African SME Network for Exchange and Trade (AfNEXT)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGerman Government supported 57 SMEs in Ghana through AfNEXT providing machinery, equipment, and tailored training funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
• State Bank of PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Paris-Aligned Finance Fellowship programme to enhance capacity of Pakistani financial sector to manage climate risks and promote green investment, implemented by GIZ Pakistan.
• Kenya Maritime AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy on Kenya's potential in producing zero-emission fuels for shipping industry, funded by GIZ GmbH's International Power-to-X Hub.
• UNCTADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation in Good Financial Governance programme supporting installation of UNCTAD's DMFAS 7 digital debt management platform in Zambia, South Sudan, Rwanda, and other countries.
• ECOWAScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in ECOWAS Annual One Health Technical Meeting strengthening regional health security collaboration across human-animal-environment interface in West Africa.
• Borderless AllianceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership with Borderless Alliance, GIZ, USAID West Africa Trade Hub, and ECOWAS for Border Information Centres simplifying export procedures at Nigerian land borders.
• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in EU-funded Agri-food Business Development Programme (AfBDP) bringing together FAO, GIZ, IOM, ILO, ITC, UNESCO, and Cowater International to strengthen agri-food value chains in Iraq.
• Voith Hydro GmbH & Co KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate Sector Advisory Board member and chair of the board. Represents hydroelectric solutions and sustainable infrastructure interests in GIZ private sector cooperation.
• BASF SEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate Sector Advisory Board member contributing to dialogue between private sector and international cooperation organisations.
• Bayer AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate Sector Advisory Board member representing pharmaceutical and agricultural solutions in development cooperation.
• German Industry (BDI, DIHK, ZDH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong representation of German industry associations on Private Sector Advisory Board, fostering dialogue between private sector and international cooperation.
• Mozilla FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology partner in FAIR Forward initiative working on African language AI datasets including Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, and Luganda.
• Translators without BorderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in FAIR Forward initiative for language AI development supporting inclusion of African and Asian languages.
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in FAIR Forward initiative contributing to language AI development and digital inclusion.
• Union of Medical Care and Relief OrganizationscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHumanitarian partner in blockchain deployment project enabling payments to over 900 healthcare workers in conflict-affected region using Stellar Disbursement Platform.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida): Swedish government agency administering bilateral development cooperation grants across 35+ countries, focusing on poverty reduction, democracy, and sustainability. Comparable to GIZ as a national development agency with similar grant-based funding model and project-implementation focus.
• Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad): Norwegian government agency administering bilateral ODA grants and channeling funds to NGOs and multilaterals. Comparable to GIZ as a national bilateral agency with similar technical cooperation, climate, and governance focus areas, though smaller in scale.
• Agence Française de Développement (AFD): France's bilateral development agency providing financing and technical assistance across 115+ countries, with a similar mix of grants, loans, and technical cooperation. Operates as a French government-owned entity alongside GIZ as Germany's counterpart, often co-financing EU development projects.
• KfW Development Bank: German state-owned development finance institution working in close partnership with GIZ to implement German development cooperation projects worldwide. Both are federal entities under German government ownership executing complementary roles (KfW on financing, GIZ on technical cooperation), making it the closest institutional peer.
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): Japanese governmental agency executing bilateral ODA in technical cooperation, loans, and grants across 150+ countries. Closely comparable to GIZ in mandate, scale (~20,000+ staff globally), and project-implementation business model.
• Enabel: Belgian federal development agency implementing bilateral cooperation on behalf of the Belgian government, with comparable mandate in technical cooperation, capacity building, and digital transformation in partner countries. Operates as a government-owned entity similar in governance to GIZ.
• SNV Netherlands Development Organisation: Dutch not-for-profit development organization with 1,300+ staff working in 20+ countries on agriculture, energy, and water. Comparable to GIZ as a European bilateral implementer with technical cooperation focus, though smaller scale and narrower thematic scope.

Broad incumbents

• USAID: U.S. government agency administering bilateral foreign aid across 100+ countries with historically $40B+ annual budget. Comparable to GIZ as a bilateral development implementer, though much larger and currently undergoing restructuring. Functions similarly to GIZ in implementing country-level programs.
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme): UN's global development network operating in 170+ countries with ~$5B annual budget, working on poverty, inequality, and sustainable development. Competes with GIZ for EU and donor-funded mandates and frequently co-implements with bilateral agencies.
• FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): UK government department combining foreign affairs and development, administering the UK's bilateral ODA program. Broader than GIZ as it includes diplomatic and foreign policy functions, but directly comparable on the development cooperation delivery side.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/giz_gmbh
• YouTubeyoutube.com/giz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/giz-deutsche-gesellschaft-fuer-internationale-zusammenarbeit
• Facebookfacebook.com/gizprofile

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments14 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GIZ - Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit