GIZ PARTNER PAGE
More than 60 years of international cooperation.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider with more than 60 years of experience in international cooperation for sustainable development and international education.
GIZ supports the German Government, particularly the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as well as other public and private-sector clients, in around 120 countries.
- 60+
- years of experience in international cooperation
- ~120
- countries
- 1974
- GIZ begins working in Nigeria
- 2006
- working with ECOWAS
- 3rd
- National MSME Conference with SMEDAN
GIZ NIGERIA & ECOWAS
In Nigeria since 1974, with ECOWAS since 2006.
GIZ has been active in Nigeria since 1974 and has worked with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since 2006. In Nigeria and across the region, GIZ works with government institutions, businesses, civil society and other partners to support reform, strengthen capacities and advance sustainable development.
GIZ’s work in Nigeria and ECOWAS is mainly commissioned by the German Government, with co-financing from partners including the European Union, Switzerland and Denmark.
AREAS OF COOPERATION
- Sustainable economic development
- Employment
- Renewable energy
- Agriculture
- Peace, reconstruction and security
- Migration
Commissioned mainly by the German Government. Co-financed by partners including the European Union, Switzerland and Denmark.
TIMELINE
Germany and Nigeria, from 1959 to today.
- 1959
Germany and Nigeria establish development cooperation
A long-standing bilateral relationship begins, providing the foundation for decades of cooperation between Germany and Nigeria.
- 1974
GIZ begins working in Nigeria
GIZ begins its work in Nigeria, supporting development cooperation across a range of sectors.
- 2004
GIZ establishes its country office in Abuja
The establishment of a permanent country office strengthens GIZ's long-term engagement with Nigerian partners.
- 2010s
Expanding cooperation for economic development and employment
GIZ's portfolio grows across areas including economic development, employment and skills, private-sector development, agriculture, energy, governance and migration.
- 2020s
Responding to a changing economy
GIZ's work increasingly connects skills, entrepreneurship, digitalisation, labour markets, migration, finance and sustainable business development.
- 2024WITH SMEDAN
GIZ and SMEDAN begin their conference partnership
GIZ supports SMEDAN's National MSME Conference in Abuja, beginning a continuing partnership around the national platform.
- 2025WITH SMEDAN
GROW Nigerian
GIZ supports the second edition of the National MSME Conference in Lagos alongside development partners.
- 2026WITH SMEDAN
Deepening cooperation for sustainable economic development
GIZ continues its cooperation with Nigerian partners across sustainable economic development and other development priorities, while supporting SMEDAN's third National MSME Conference.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Connecting people, businesses and systems.
Sustainable economic development depends on more than individual businesses. It requires people with relevant skills, enterprises that can compete and grow, digital systems that enable innovation, institutions that support economic activity, and pathways that connect people to employment opportunities.
GIZ brings together complementary programmes working across these interconnected areas:
Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria
Supporting an enabling environment for sustainable economic development and employment, including work around entrepreneurship, business development, access to finance and markets, policy and business-enabling environments, and sustainable enterprise growth.
FOCUS
- Economic development
- Employment
- Enterprise
- Markets
Skills Development for Youth Employment
Strengthening skills development and employment pathways for young people by connecting skills systems more closely with labour-market needs and opportunities.
FOCUS
- Skills
- Youth employment
- Labour markets
Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria
Supporting digital transformation and innovation by strengthening digital capabilities, ecosystems and the use of digital solutions for sustainable development.
FOCUS
- Digitalisation
- Innovation
- Digital skills
Centres for Migration and Development
Supporting safe, regular and sustainable migration pathways while strengthening information, advisory services, networks and opportunities connected to migration and development.
FOCUS
- Migration
- Employment
- Skills
- Reintegration
Together, these programmes contribute to a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable economy.
Explore GIZ's work in Nigeria
Learn more about GIZ's work and current programmes in Nigeria.