GIZ and GEAPP Forge a Transformative Partnership to Drive Sustainable Energy Transition and Development

New York | September 20, 2023 – The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH have embarked on a strategic collaboration to amplify their shared commitment to foster sustainable development through clean energy solutions. Today, GEAPP CEO Simon Harford and GIZ Board Member Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), solidifying their dedication to jointly pursue initiatives that catalyze the global energy transition and support equitable green economic growth.

The strategic partnership between GEAPP and GIZ leverages the extensive experience and expertise of both organizations to drive meaningful change across key focus areas, including the energy transition, renewable energy investment, and the promotion of sustainable development worldwide.

Speaking about the collaboration, Hoven stated, “At GIZ, we embrace international collaboration and partnerships to accelerate enduring transformation. In GEAPP, we have found an ambitious partner to work for a future where clean energy not only drives the economy, but also strengthens communities and protects our planet. Only together can we tackle global challenges such as the devastating consequences of climate change, as well as thriving the opportunities that renewable energies offer for sustainable development.”

Echoing this sentiment, Harford said, “Climate change and energy poverty are not looming threats. They are already here. Addressing these twin challenges demands united efforts, and fast. Our partnership with GIZ underscores a shared commitment to rapidly accelerate clean energy solutions in emerging markets, leveraging GIZ’s deep technical expertise and GEAPP’s focus on speed and innovation to catalyze scaled systemic outcomes. Our work at GEAPP rests on a simple belief: clean energy is development, unlocking economic potential, health, education and livelihoods. With GIZ and all our partners we continue to pursue with urgency and persistence a green energy future for all.”

The MoU encompasses a pipeline of joint initiatives. Among these, a project in Malawi promoting the use of sustainable energy in agriculture, for example solar water panels. The approach will be scaled to other countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Beyond individual country projects, the collaboration is set to encompass multi-country actions aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and the development of innovative financing models. For example, GEAPP and GIZ are joining forces to scale up adoption of eCooking in at least ten countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean, to drive clean electricity demand, decarbonize cooking, and mobilize appliance finance at scale.

With this partnership, Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven will join GEAPP’s Global Leadership Council (GLC), a coalition of influential leaders committed to tackling the most challenging barriers to just energy transitions worldwide. The GLC is co-chaired by Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, and Dr Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.

About the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. It is also engaged in education activities around the globe. GIZ assists people and societies in shaping their future and improving their living conditions.

About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade. For more information, please visit and follow us on Twitter/X at @EnergyAlliance.

Media Contacts:

GIZ Press Office

presse@giz.de | +49 6196 79 4466

Eric Gay, GEAPP

eric.gay@energyalliance.org | +1 917 912 6190