Germany cuts funding for UNIDO's tech and investment offices by 2026
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has announced plans to stop funding two key Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPOs) in Bonn and Berlin. The decision will bring an end to a long-standing partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) by late 2026. The ITPOs were set up in 2016 to help transfer technology and investment to developing and emerging economies. Their work focused on supporting energy and industrial projects, particularly in Africa.
The BMZ confirmed the funding cut, citing budget limitations. Current costs for the ITPOs stand at €1.7 million in 2024, with expenses expected to rise to €1.8 million next year. The agreement with UNIDO will officially terminate at the end of 2026. Criticism has already emerged. The African Energy Chamber condemned the move, arguing that it could reduce vital investment in Africa’s energy and industrial sectors.
The closure of the ITPOs will mark the end of a decade-long initiative. Funding will continue until 2026, but no further support is planned beyond that date. The decision leaves future technology transfer and investment projects in developing regions facing greater uncertainty.
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