According to media reports, the German state development organization, GIZ, withdraws its personnel from Afghanistan. This marks the first time since 2002 that GIZ will not have staff on the ground in the country. From 2025 onwards, all projects will be implemented exclusively through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), according to a spokeswoman for the Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) as reported by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.

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The move follows a directive from the German Federal Government, with the contracts of the current national employees set to expire by the end of this year. German and international staff have not been present in Afghanistan since August 2021, following the Taliban’s takeover of the country. Despite this, GIZ has continued to employ around 160 local staff up to this point.

GIZ’s decision to withdraw its personnel does not signify an end to its commitment to Afghanistan. Instead, the organization will shift to a “remote control” operation model, managing and overseeing projects from Germany or a third country. This approach ensures that ongoing and future projects aimed at supporting the Afghan population will continue without direct on-site involvement from GIZ staff.

The focus of GIZ’s work in Afghanistan will remain steadfast on providing essential services to the local population. Key initiatives include enhancing self-sufficiency in impoverished urban and rural communities, training midwives and female health professionals, and supporting female entrepreneurs and women-led organizations. Despite the challenging political landscape, GIZ will maintain its stance of not engaging with the Taliban regime, which lacks international recognition.

This transition underscores the resilience and adaptability of development efforts in Afghanistan. While the absence of on-site GIZ staff marks a significant change, the continued support through local partners and NGOs ensures that vital services and development projects will persist, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of the Afghan people.

For more details, you can refer to the sources:

• Berlin Story News
• Amu TV

Germany support to Afghanistan:

• Germany offers 5000 Scholarships for Female Afghan Students
• Germany Job Search Opportunity Card Visa
• Germany Plans to Establish Online University for Afghans
• More Supportive Scholarship Programs for Afghans in Germany
• hilde-domin-scholarship-germany