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Strategy & Concept Development

Financing Food Systems Transformation

Bank and the sustainability think tank TMG to develop a comprehensive conceptual and financial cooperation framework for Food Systems Transformation (FST). The project aims to guide KfW’s strategic engagement within German Development Cooperation and with international partners, helping translate the complex FST agenda into actionable implementation pathways.

Funded by the BMZ the project combines research, peer learning, and strategic design. It began with a kick-off workshop in Rome, followed by a literature and discourse analysis, peer review of 24 organizations -including MDBs, PDBs, private banks, NGOs, and philanthropic actors -and the co-creation of a Financial Cooperation Concept for FST.

To ensure practical applicability, Guidance Documents were developed to support KfW in identifying financing partners, investment opportunities, and instruments for systemic change. These include analyses on potential partners for FST and on investing in land rights as a foundation for transformation. The findings inform both KfW’s FZ Future Process and BMZ’s broader reform agenda, contributing to a stronger, more coherent approach to financing sustainable food systems.

Supporting the creation of the Blue Action Fund

To address a global funding gap in marine conservation, we worked with KfW to establish the Blue Action Fund, a trust fund supporting NGOs in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Our role included shaping the strategy, operational framework, and governance structure.

We facilitated stakeholder workshops, developed key manuals, and supported the launch of the first call for proposals. Today, the Fund is a leading platform providing critical financial support for marine and coastal protection worldwide.

➡ Learn more: www.blueactionfund.org

Prequalification of NGOs for a rapid response mechanism in Eastern Africa

To enable faster humanitarian response in East Africa, we supported an international donor in setting up a rapid response mechanism. Our role was to prequalify a pool of NGOs to ensure quick project preparation and implementation.

We mapped active NGOs across relevant countries and sectors, invited them to submit Expressions of Interest, and assessed their capacities through a tailored evaluation tool and on-site visits to regional offices in Nairobi. The resulting analysis and report now allow the donor to swiftly identify suitable NGO partners for future interventions.

Developing an Operations Manual for the Climate Bridge Fund in Bangladesh

We supported the design of the Climate Bridge Fund to address climate-induced migration in Bangladesh. Our work focused on creating its governance framework and drafting an operational manual with transparent rules for project selection and fund management.

Through participatory workshops with BRAC and consultations with stakeholders, we ensured ownership and alignment with local needs. The Fund is now well-positioned to deliver sustainable climate adaptation solutions in vulnerable regions.

Rethinking Agricultural Mechanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa

We examined the potential of agricultural mechanisation to increase food security while addressing financing barriers for smallholder farmers. Our analysis highlighted opportunities for accessible technologies and innovative financial models.

Recommendations included shared-use models, adapted small-scale machinery, and alternative financing such as warehouse receipts. By combining technology with financial innovation, we promoted inclusive and sustainable approaches to agricultural mechanisation.

Strengthening the Partnership between KfW and UNDP as well as UNICEF

To improve cooperation between KfW and the UN agencies UNICEF and UNDP in supporting children and families in conflict-affected settings, we facilitated the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for joint project design and implementation. The goal was to accelerate project preparation, enhance management efficiency, and make collaboration more predictable and effective. We also supported the partners in establishing mechanisms for knowledge exchange and co-creation of innovative approaches, helping both organizations leverage their complementary strengths for greater impact.

Over the course of a year, we worked in an agile and participatory process involving both management and technical teams. The resulting SOP manual outlines the typical project cycle and provides practical guidance for efficient cooperation. It was piloted across several UNICEF and UNDP programmes to test and refine its applicability. Through structured dialogue formats, both in-person and online, we enabled transparent collaboration, joint learning, and a strong results orientation.

Innovative approaches for skills development and employment promotion for Africa

To support sustainable employment creation across Africa, we worked with our client to identify effective strategies for promoting not only more jobs, but better jobs. In a context of rapid population growth and shifting economic dynamics, we analysed regional trends and development challenges to provide strategic guidance on employment promotion. Our approach emphasised that valuable jobs are productive, safe, inclusive, and provide the basis for decent livelihoods.

Building on this analysis, we evaluated a range of project approaches to strengthen employment systems and job quality. These included policy-based operations to improve the framework conditions for jobs, initiatives that foster private sector innovation and SME development, and support for industrial zones as drivers of regional growth. We also explored opportunities in emerging labour-intensive sectors, such as the “green” construction industry, linking employment promotion to sustainability and long-term competitiveness.

Designing a Regional Migration Fund for the Horn of Africa

We assisted the German government and IGAD in designing a Regional Migration Fund to address displacement and migration challenges. Through consultations with communities and governments, we identified priorities in economic opportunities and inclusive infrastructure.

Our design study defined governance and operational frameworks, later validated in multi-stakeholder workshops. Formalised in an Aide Mémoire between IGAD and KfW, the Fund is now moving toward operationalisation.