German Development Organization GIZ to Continue Supporting Afghans Despite Withdrawal
The German Development Organization GIZ has assured that it will not abandon the Afghan people even after its complete withdrawal from the country by the end of the year. “GIZ will continue to work for the people of Afghanistan, albeit in a different structure” said GIZ Chief Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (Sunday editions).
“The power shift has greatly changed the work in Afghanistan. We are adapting to this situation” he said, referring to the German government’s decision to no longer employ its own staff in the country from the start of 2025, with aid projects to be implemented solely through non-governmental organizations in the future.
According to GIZ, the projects will be carried out by organizations such as Welthungerhilfe, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “Our work in Afghanistan remains important, as the living conditions of the people have drastically changed since August 2021” said GIZ Chief Schäfer-Gümbel.
The organization will focus on securing the daily lives of the population, such as by providing access to clean water. The main target group will be women and girls, as explained by the organization. GIZ will finance consulting services and microloans to help women establish small businesses or vocational training, enabling them to earn a living and support their families. Women will also be supported in cultivating seeds and seedlings of crops to generate income and feed their families.
“The private sector is currently the only area where women can find income and employment opportunities” lamented the GIZ. GIZ has been active in Afghanistan since 2002, with German or international staff and local employees. The first group was not present on the ground since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. All local employees were terminated by the end of 2024.
In the future, GIZ projects will be managed from Germany or a “third country” with the work on the ground to be carried out by the contracted organizations.