BD, Germany launch green skills drive for renewable energy workforce

Bangladesh and Germany have launched a major partnership to strengthen vocational training for the renewable energy sector, aiming to equip thousands of young people with green skills needed to accelerate the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.

The initiative formally entered its implementation phase on Wednesday after Bangladesh's Technical and Madrasah Education Division (TMED) under the Ministry of Education signed an implementation agreement with GIZ Bangladesh, acting on behalf of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division in June and builds on Germany's commitment of €21.77 million announced in January 2026 to support sustainable development programmes in Bangladesh.

The new collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the rapidly growing demand for technicians and professionals in the renewable energy industry, while supporting Bangladesh's long-term climate and clean energy goals.

Addressing the signing ceremony in Dhaka, Md. Daud Miah, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, described the agreement as another milestone in the enduring partnership between the two countries.

"Today's signing represents more than the formalisation of a project. It reflects the longstanding friendship and strong development partnership between the Governments of Bangladesh and Germany," he said.

He noted that Germany has been a trusted development partner in strengthening Bangladesh's technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, contributing significantly to skills development and institutional capacity over the years.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Renewable Energy (TVET4RE) project will provide industry-oriented training to prepare young people for employment in the fast-growing renewable energy sector, where demand for skilled workers is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Officials said the project aligns with Bangladesh's TVET Implementation Plan 2025�"2030, supporting the creation of a future-ready workforce capable of driving the country's clean energy transition and enhancing industrial competitiveness.

The programme will also complement the Professional Education in Industrial and Environmental Safety (PRECISE) project, with the two initiatives jointly aimed at improving workforce readiness, raising industrial safety standards and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Senior government officials, representatives of technical education institutions and development partners attended the signing ceremony, including Abul Khayer Md. Akkas Ali, Director General of the Directorate of Technical Education; Shamshur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (Development) of TMED; Engr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board; and Jannis Hussain, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Bangladesh.

The ceremony concluded with discussions on the project's implementation roadmap and opportunities for deeper Bangladesh-Germany cooperation in developing green skills, expanding renewable energy expertise and preparing the country's workforce for the demands of a climate-resilient economy.