GIZ International Services (GIZ IS) – formerly GTZ IS – is active throughout Afghanistan in projects that address rural development, good governance, health, education, agriculture and natural resources. Many of these projects concentrate on reforms and advisory services for the state institutions and the government. GIZ IS has maintained its own office in Kabul since March 2002.

Current projects

Horticulture and livestock project – Since 2006, GIZ International Services has been running the management component of an agricultural development project financed by the World Bank. The project promotes horticulture and livestock farming to improve the economic prospects of the rural population. The role of GIZ IS includes management of financing and procurement, provision of training for the ministry staff, as well as monitoring and evaluation.

Uruzgan provincial development programme – GIZ IS is also active in Uruzgan Province, where it has worked on behalf of the Dutch and Australian Governments since 2007 and 2010 respectively. We are securing sustainable development in the province with a diverse mix of interrelated measures that promote rural development, create new infrastructure and improve administrative structures.

• Uruzgan provincial development project: This project, financed by the Dutch Government, uses socioeconomic measures to stabilise the province and promote the rural economy. It provides training to improve staff competence in the provincial and district administrations, and it undertakes infrastructure development, such as the construction of a 40 km stretch of road between Tarin Kowt and Chora.
• Support for local governance in Uruzgan: In this Australian-financed measure, GIZ IS is carrying out a capacity building programme whose tailored activities are intended to improve the administrative skills of the local authorities. The measure is helping improve people’s access to public services.
• Small projects facility in Uruzgan: This small projects facility was commissioned to supplement the capacity development activities in the provincial and district administrations by supporting development at the local level. GIZ IS manages the applications process, selects suitable projects and oversees their implementation. The project promotes the sustainable development of the province, and also increases the capacity of communities to formulate their own development priorities.

Regional HIV/AIDS programme – Since 2008, GIZ IS has been working in the health sector, which is being expanded throughout the country. On behalf of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, we are working in eight provinces to establish regional centres for the treatment of people infected with HIV and to provide appropriate training for health workers. The project also includes HIV/AIDS education and prevention campaigns.

Capacity building for the Afghanistan Geological Service – The use of mineral raw materials is extremely important for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and for sustainable economic development in the country. Since 2008, with funding from the World Bank, GIZ IS has been helping the Afghanistan Geological Service at the Ministry of Mines to carry out geological mapping and evaluate natural resources. This project encourages the development of new skills and transparency through extensive training activities for Afghan geologists and the setting up of a press centre for disseminating information about geology and mineral raw materials.

Logistics support for UNHCR operations in Afghanistan – As of 2011, GIZ IS is supporting UNHCR with logistical assistance for the care and return of refugees. Financed by UNHCR, this work involves managing the vehicle fleet and organising the procurement, storage and distribution of goods. We also undertake capacity development for the local population.