Advisory services from AWE – local expertise worldwide
Development cooperation (DC) has evolved. The focus has now shifted from aid to partnership. Business has an important role to play here. The Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) provides individual support for companies wishing to establish or strengthen their international presence. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we offer one-to-one, tailored advice, free of charge – in many cases directly at the local level in our partner countries.
Extensive expertise on funding programmes
With their local expertise, our Business Scouts work to create networks between companies and relevant actors and facilitate access to new markets and partnerships. They are familiar with suitable funding programmes, identify potential and connect companies, associations and trade unions around the world with strong partners. Their expertise is wide-ranging, covering areas from energy, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and agriculture to digitisation.
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Strong networks for companies
Our Business Scouts are deployed worldwide – predominantly at German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and at locations of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Here, they work closely with foreign trade promotion organisations to build contacts with local businesses, thereby laying the foundations for effective development cooperation projects. Close cooperation between AWE (as the provider of advisory services) and GIZ (as the implementing organisation) creates long-term partnerships with a practical focus.
As well as access to strong international networks, we offer you a wide range of services:
- Local Business Scouts who analyse needs and identify market opportunities
- Advice on funding, financing opportunities and tenders
- Facilitation of contacts with local networks, relevant institutions and relevant stakeholders
- Help searching for relevant project partners
- Support from the Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights in implementing human rights and environment-related due diligence obligations
- Additional guidance in focus regions from the Partners in Transformation Desks in East Africa, Southeast Asia and the Western Balkans
For those wishing to learn more about the opportunities in individual regions, further information on our partner countries and specific contact partners can be found in the country overview and on the sub-pages.
