Current challenges
- Specialist skills gaps
A lack of adequately trained workers hinders entrepreneurial success as well as economic development. This is not only a matter of specialist knowledge, but also knowledge of safety and environmental standards that are relevant for certification, for example, or soft skills for working in an international context. Education and training programmes in these areas boost local competitiveness and increase the general employability of people. This is precisely where many develoPPP projects come into play. Through tailored training and by mainstreaming cutting-edge practical knowledge in local vocational training processes, workers in developing countries and emerging economies can acquire the skills needed to work in global value chains and/or abroad. - Applicants and companies are not matched efficiently
Successful application and recruitment processes in or from developing countries and emerging economies require effective recruitment pathways. In practice, there is often a need for improvement here. There is a lack of suitable local networks and partners such as internationally oriented vocational schools and trustworthy placement agencies. Some labour markets are organised informally and therefore lack transparency. This makes it considerably more difficult to match suitable applicants with companies. This is another area where develoPPP projects can provide support, for example by ensuring transparency in the recruitment process through local partnerships, promoting fair skilled labour migration and piloting innovative financing models.
How companies are using develoPPP in relation to skilled workers
EGYPT: Technical Academy bridges skills gap in the energy sector
Egypt is increasingly focusing on actively harnessing the country's energy resources and exporting electricity to neighboring countries as well as to Europe. At the same time, there is a shortage of qualified professionals to meet the growing demand of the energy sector. Siemens Energy AG and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH addressed this challenge by establishing the Egyptian German Technical Academy (EGTA). Between 2017 and 2024, more than 6,000 skilled professionals were trained in industry-specific fields such as energy technology, industrial automation and welding techniques, and were systematically prepared to meet labor market needs.
RWANDA: Training for the booming construction industry
Rwanda has been experiencing a boom in construction projects in recent years. However, a severe shortage of skilled labour poses a challenge for local companies. The Rwandan construction company MASS.Build Ltd. and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH addressed this problem with a practical, state-certified training programme. Together, the project partners trained almost 600 people – including more than 200 women – in bricklaying, joinery, plumbing and welding, as well as in occupational safety and health standards.
NEPAL: Simulation-based learning in medical training
The Indian subsidiary of Laerdal Medical worked with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nepal. Together, they integrated simulation-based learning into the training of midwives and other medical professionals. The use of modern patient simulators in training can prevent treatment errors. The project has led to improved health care for mothers and infants, access to skilled professionals, and new markets for medical products and services.
Find out more
Would you like to train or develop skilled workers in a global market of the future and recruit them fairly? Then find out about your support options now!
develoPPP Classic
develoPPP Classic is aimed at companies that want to invest sustainably in an emerging market and expand their operational activities locally. Suitable projects receive technical and financial support of up to two million euros in public funding.
Do you have any questions?
For general questions regarding develoPPP or other BMZ funding programmes, please contact
For questions regarding already concrete projects please contact the team of your implementing partner
