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Networking, Investing, Developing– Business Scouts for Development

Open up access to new markets and strengthen sustainable development. The "Business Scouts for Development" work as development policy experts in around 40 countries. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), they advise German, European and local companies on development policy issues. At BDI, the Business Scouts provide advice on funding, financing and cooperation offers for German development work to companies and connect them with potential partners.

The Business Scouts are combining their experience, synergies and networks of five previous programs into an effective bundle since the beginning of 2021. "Creating Perspectives – Economy for Development" was one oft the previous projects, which was implemented with GIZ in 2017 on the initiative of BDI. It was launched to support the private sector, enter into partnerships with German and European companies, benefit from mentoring programmes and gain access to German and European markets.

Since 2021, the successful project work in East Africa has been continued with further initiatives to promote cooperation with industry for sustainable development and job creation. In addition to the consultants of "Creating Perspectives“ the former "EZ-Scouts" are also part of the Business Scouts for Development Program and continue their joint work at the BDI representative offices in Berlin and Brussels. The new program relies on a high degree of flexibility in order to work on demand- and need-oriented thematic priorities.

Cross-border and cross-industry commitment

The advisory teams establish a link between private sector engagement and development cooperation. In East Africa, for example, the Business Scouts accompany and support local partners in exchange formats and team them up with selected companies from the regions, active companies from Germany and Europe, as well as local specialist communities and organise mentoring partnerships. In doing so, they draw on an international network and can thus facilitate market access. The programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Are you looking for contacts, planning an investment or want to expand your presence in development and emerging markets? We accompany and advise on funding offers, financing and development of joint projects. You can count on tailor-made, individual support for your commitment on site.