Our core topics

German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation implements projects across a range of financial activities, with a main focus on six thematic priority areas designed to foster financial inclusion.

Capacity Development

Training and HR development are integral components of all German Sparkassenstiftung’s projects. From introducing dual vocational training courses to establishing training academies, we take successful concepts and integrate them into our partners’ educational framework. Besides training local trainers to implement our specially devised business simulations, we also organise and conduct seminars.


Financial Literacy

Since the decisions we make in life are often financial ones, it is absolutely imperative that we understand how money works. This explains why Germany’s Sparkassen (savings banks) are dedicated to strengthening business skills and know-how and to helping private households become more financially flexible.


MSE Finance

Micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) are the bedrock of economic growth and employment. But they need access to needs-oriented financial services to succeed. German Sparkassenstiftung leverages the wealth of experience in the Sparkassen Finance Group to assist banks and microfinance institutions to roll out and professionalise all aspects of lending – from product design through to staff training.


Institution Building

‘Fair, caring, close by’ – German Sparkassen are adept at combining excellent financial returns with social responsibility. Moreover, they also make financial services accessible to everyone. Key factors driving their success include cost reductions due to their work in associations and increased profit thanks to their professionalism.


Rural Finance

Loans, savings products, insurance and payment transactions are at the heart of rural financing. Focused on the needs of agricultural smallholders and micro enterprises, we help create needs-oriented and personalised agricultural financing products that take account of crop cycles and seasonal fluctuations. Furthermore, rural financing also embraces entire value chains and hedging tools, such as targeted insurance solutions or payment and supply guarantees.


Green Finance

Green finance concerns investments that foster renewable energy and energy efficiency while enabling people to cope better with climate change (by promoting eco-friendly business developments, for example). German Sparkassenstiftung also assists local banks in developing financial products for investments in green technologies.