GIZ Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea

Mining is a major source of income for thousands of people in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. However, differences in tax policies and regulations have led to challenges such as illegal mineral trade, revenue loss, and unfair competition.     To tackle these issues, a regional study on harmonizing fiscal policies in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector was conducted in Monrovia, bringing together government officials, mining experts, and development partners to review the study’s findings and discuss the way forward. Representatives from the @Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), @Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), @Ministry of Mines and Energy, @Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), @Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and the @Federation of Miners Association of Liberia (FOMAL). participated in the discussions.    Key objectives of the study: - To promote uniform tax regulations across the region  - Improve revenue collection and reducing financial losses  - Curbing illicit mineral trade and smuggling  - Strengthening cross-border cooperation for equitable benefit-sharing  - Enhancing regulatory transparency and compliance in the mining sector    Liberia’s Assistant Minister for Economic Policy, Henry D. Z. Yanquoi, emphasized that Liberia must actively engage in the regional integration process to avoid being left behind in crucial policy reforms.    This initiative is implemented by GIZ and commissioned by Germany (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)) and co-financed by the European Union, to assess how tax systems in the mining sector can be standardized across Mano River Union (MRU) countries.     #SustainableMining #EconomicGrowth #RegionalCooperation #FairTrade #MiningReforms #Transparency #MRU #Liberia #GIZ #Germany #EuropeanUnion #Germancooperation 

Throughout Gender Month, we’re highlighting key initiatives, including the recent gathering of the Gender Technical Working Group at the Ministry of Health to further develop a Gender Policy.    Having contributed to the creation of this group, GIZ is very proud to see gender equality incorporated into policies! With GIZ’s support, a concept note was presented, outlining key priorities, including:    💡 Aligning the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act with the Ministry’s goals to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030.  🛑 Implementing strategies to prevent, respond to, and address GBV, ensuring a zero-tolerance environment within the Ministry.  ⚖️ Ensuring equal opportunities, pay equity, and address gender-based discrimination in the workplace.  🌍 Catering to diverse gender needs in health service delivery, ensuring equitable access for all.  💪 Eliminating gender-based discrimination and promote equality within health programming.  🤝 Partnering with organizations and stakeholders to advance gender equality in the health sector.    The Health System Strengthening Project is implemented by GIZ and commissioned by Germany (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and @GermanEmbassy).    Building a stronger health system means ensuring gender equality is not just a goal, but a standard. 💜 #Germany #Germancooperation #Gender #Health #GIZ 

GIZ Country Directors Engage with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office to Strengthen AfCFTA Implementation, Deepen Collaboration The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office was pleased to host the German Development Cooperation implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH during the visit of the GIZ Head of Division for West Africa 2 and Madagascar, Mr. Helmut Hauschild and Country Directors from neighbouring countries led by Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS for a high-level working engagement meeting in Abuja. GIZ’s visit underscores the importance of strategic collaboration with international development partners in the effective implementation of the AfCFTA. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Coordination Office to present Nigeria's progress in AfCFTA implementation, highlight key challenges, and explore avenues for technical and strategic support from GIZ to strengthen Nigeria's trade infrastructure and boost the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses across the continent. As Nigeria continues to position itself as a leading player in intra-African trade, engaging with partners like GIZ reinforces our commitment to fostering a trade-friendly environment. The discussions focused on how GIZ’s expertise in organizational development, regional integration, and trade facilitation can complement Nigeria’s efforts to empower businesses, particularly SMEs, to harness the benefits of the AfCFTA. The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office remains committed to engaging all significant stakeholders — including development partners, private sector actors, and government institutions — to ensure the AfCFTA delivers tangible economic benefits for Nigerian businesses and citizens. This engagement with GIZ aligns with our broader strategy of facilitating capacity building, improving trade logistics, and driving policy reforms that enable Nigerian businesses to thrive in the African market. We appreciate GIZ's longstanding support for regional integration in Africa and look forward to deepening this partnership to unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a trade powerhouse under the AfCFTA framework. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport

As part of our Gender Month Campaign, we had an interview with one of our incredible female partners, Golda R V Williams the Executive Secretary of Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone (REASL) and founder of Women in Renewable Energy Sierra Leone. WiRE SL is an initiative aimed at empowering women in the renewable energy sector in Sierra Leone. Recognizing the critical role that women play in energy access and sustainability, WRESL focuses on fostering women's participation through training, capacity building, and advocacy. The organization works to address gender disparities in the energy sector by providing women with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in renewable energy technologies, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.   WiRE-SL also promotes sustainable energy solutions, such as solar power, to enhance energy access in rural communities, thereby contributing to economic development and improved living standards. By creating networks and providing support for women in the sector, WiRE-SL seeks to empower female leaders and entrepreneurs, ensuring that women's voices are represented in policy-making and energy initiatives in Sierra Leone. Golda Williams shared her thoughts on International Women's Day with the theme #AccelerateAction and highlighted the significance of empowering women for a brighter, more sustainable future. Listen to her Inspiring message in the video! 🎬 #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #GIZGenderMonth #Germany #GermanCooperation #REASL #WIRESL #EmpoweringWomen #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #GenderEquality

Today, we proudly recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of all women, especially the incredible staffs of GIZ Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea!    This year's International Women’s Day theme #AccelerateAction highlights the urgency of advancing gender equality. At GIZ, we are committed to fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities for all. Guided by GIZ’s Gender Principles, we strive to: Promote equal opportunities for all genders. Strengthen women’s leadership and participation. Foster inclusive workplaces free from discrimination. Integrate gender perspectives into all our projects and policies.   Together, we are breaking barriers, empowering women, and shaping a future where everyone thrives. Let’s continue to uplift and support one another in building a more equitable and just world!    💜 Happy International Women’s Day! 💜 International Women's Day 2025   #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #GenderEquality #GIZGenderPrinciples #EmpowerWomen #InclusionMatters #StrongerTogether

Today, we proudly recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of all women, especially the incredible staffs of GIZ Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea!    This year's International Women’s Day theme #AccelerateAction highlights the urgency of advancing gender equality. At GIZ, we are committed to fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities for all. Guided by GIZ’s Gender Principles, we strive to: Promote equal opportunities for all genders. Strengthen women’s leadership and participation. Foster inclusive workplaces free from discrimination. Integrate gender perspectives into all our projects and policies.   Together, we are breaking barriers, empowering women, and shaping a future where everyone thrives. Let’s continue to uplift and support one another in building a more equitable and just world!    💜 Happy International Women’s Day! 💜 International Women's Day 2025   #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #GenderEquality #GIZGenderPrinciples #EmpowerWomen #InclusionMatters #StrongerTogether

A strong health system needs the right tools, not just in hospitals but also in the way data is managed. That’s why Germany (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Embassy in Freetown and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH) is supporting UNICEF and the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone to modernize vaccine management and health information systems through the Expanded Progamme on Immunization (EPI). With 100,000$ worth of investment in 56 laptops and 26 modems now in in the hands of health professionals, they can track immunizations more efficiently, create electronic registries, improve data accuracy, and ensure vaccines reach those who need them most. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure, we are building a healthier future 🌍💙 #GIZ #BMZ #UNICEF #DigitalHealth #Germany #Germancooperation #SierraLeone #HealthForAll #InnovationForImpact 

According to the World Health Organization, every year 1.19 million lives are lost due to road traffic crashes. Shockingly, road injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29. The burden is greatest in low- and middle-income countries, where 92% of fatalities occur, despite these countries having just 60% of the world’s vehicles.    At GIZ Sierra Leone, we take these sobering facts seriously. Ensuring the safety of our teams, drivers, and project operations is a top priority.    That’s why we regularly train our Security Focal Points and drivers in road safety, emergency response, and risk prevention. This week’s training reinforced defensive driving to protect all road users, quick emergency response in crises, and accident prevention strategies, not just for our teams, but for everyone who shares the road.    By reinforcing road safety measures, we are actively contributing to the United Nations’s goal of halving global road traffic deaths by 2030.    Thank you Bernard Maada Simbo and Kai Schmidt for the training!    #GIZSafety #SecurityExcellence #CrisisManagement #Germany #Germancooperation 

🌙✨ Ramadan Mubarak! ✨🌙 GIZ Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea extend our warmest wishes to all observing the holy month of Ramadan. May this sacred time of reflection, compassion, and unity bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your loved ones.

Since 2014, the United Nations has always celebrated NGO day on the 27th of February. Yesterday, for the first time in Sierra Leone, NGO day was also celebrated here in Freetown! 💙 At the heart of the discussions was a powerful message that kept coming back on the role of NGOs: "Empowering communities for sustainable development." NGOs play a critical role in shaping Sierra Leone’s future by complementing government efforts, especially in delivering the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). The attendance of H.E. Vice President of Sierra Leone as well as the ministers from various ministries confirms the importance of NGOs. NGOs act as a bridge between communities, citizens and public institutions, contributing substantially to social cohesion. At GIZ we firmly believe in the importance of NGOs and their role in awareness raising, holding government accountable, ensuring participation, and empowerment of citizens. Across our different projects, we work hand in hand with NGOs like AVSI Foundation, Pact, and @MAGE SL, who bring invaluable expertise and deep community connections. 🎉 Happy NGO Day to all! Looking forward to more collaboration, impact, and progress together. Please let us know your thoughts about the role of NGOs in sustainable development!