The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has announced the termination of funding for its two Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPOs) located in Bonn and Berlin. These offices were established in 2016 following an agreement with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and were tasked with supporting investors and companies in transferring technology to developing and emerging economies.
According to a letter circulated by the BMZ to UNIDO, the funding is set to conclude at the end of 2026, marking the end of the collaboration agreement. Although terminating the ITPOs, the BMZ emphasized that the German government remains committed to working with UNIDO on other projects and programs, promising continued support through mandatory and voluntary contributions, as well as at the political level.
The BMZ confirmed the decision through its press office, stating that the information was correct and that the “ITPO-Deutschland” project will conclude at the end of 2026 after ten years of funding. The ministry attributed the closure decision specifically to “increasingly scarce budgetary resources”. The operational costs for the ITPOs were reported to be €1.7 million in 2024 and are projected to cost €1.8 million in 2025.
The closure has already sparked discontent internationally. The South African lobbying group African Energy Chamber criticized the move, arguing that ending the UNIDO-ITPO structure in Germany could weaken the proven connection between funding mechanisms and vital capital, particularly as Africa is actively seeking to expand investments in energy and industry sectors.
