German Sparkassenstiftung implements a vast range of projects globally which are in line with our principles and objectives. The main focus, however, is 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 partner countries’ educational frameworks. One of our core activities in the region is the training of local trainers to implement the specially devised German Sparkassenstiftung Business Games for clients in the microfinance sector.
Together with our partner organisations we implement the certification training program for board of directors and managers in the microfinance institutions (MFIs) with the aim to strengthen and develop the capacities of MFIs and its respective associations through needs based, affordable and methodically good measures of vocational education.
Financial Literacy
Most decisions we make in life are often financial ones, understanding the dynamics of how money works is absolutely imperative. This is why Germany’s Sparkassen (savings banks) are dedicated to strengthening business skills and know-how and to helping private households become more financially flexible. With their advisory services, such as the “Sparkassen SchulService” (School Service) for children and young people or the “Geld und Haushalt” (Money and Household) service for adults, they are helping to boost financial literacy throughout Germany.
German Sparkassenstiftung’s work builds on this experience but customizes the concepts and materials to fit the project country’s specific needs. In the region, we work with our partner organisations to implement financial education in schools, for small-business owners, migrants and returnees as well as other marginalized groups.
MSME Finance
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) are the bedrock of economic growth and employment, but they call for access to needs-oriented financial services to succeed. Sparkassenstiftung leverages the wealth of experience in the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe (Savings Banks Finance Group) to assist banks and microfinance institutions to roll out and professionalise all aspects of lending – from product design through to staff training. Our specialized programme to support migrants and returnees in the region is one of such services. We support potential and existing youth entrepreneurs in this category to access Credit Unions and their financial services by sponsoring the membership to optimize their chances of micro business loans to elevate their businesses.
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. By communicating and applying these key factors in its project work, German Sparkassenstiftung is able to restructure retail banks and turn informal MFIs into regulated microfinance banks. Moreover, it also fosters the creation of associations that provide useful services to their members.
In the project countries in Western Africa, we work in partnership with the apex organisations in the cooperative credit unions and microfinance sector. Through strategic advice, product development and digitalization, we support them in their mission to be the strong and sustainable voice for MFIs and Credit Unions.
Rural Finance
Loans, savings products, insurance and payment transactions are at the heart of rural financing. Focused on the needs of agricultural smallholders and microenterprises, we help create needs-oriented and personalised agricultural financing products that take account of cropping 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 energies 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. Committed to the energy transition, Germany’s Sparkassen are the financial enabler behind a great many small-scale projects realised by municipalities, medium-sized companies and homeowners.
