New invoicing process at GIZ Mali: process e-invoices efficiently, securely and in compliance

GIZ Mali is introducing a new, digitalized invoicing process that covers the electronic invoicing (XRechnung) required for EU-based contractual partners and speeds up internal workflows. It is based on Directive 2014/55/EU and the German e-invoicing ordinance, under which public contracting authorities must receive and process electronic invoices in a structured format. A PDF alone does not constitute an e-invoice; an XML file compliant with the XRechnung standard is required.

For EU-based suppliers and service providers, GIZ offers a simple and free submission via the GIZ Supplier Portal. This portal helps create and transmit the XRechnung and reduces manual tasks on both sides. For service contracts, digital approval flows apply depending on the contract type and billing logic; details can be found in the central information on Electronic Receipt of Invoices (ERE). Non-EU providers are not subject to the XRechnung obligation; their invoicing method depends on the contract type and applicable transitional provisions.

Internally, processes are being harmonized: staff have a unified interface in RechnungOnline, which supports the entire path from service confirmation to payment in a fully digital way. The result: more transparency, improved data quality, and shorter processing times.

Key points

• The XRechnung obligation generally applies to EU-based contractual partners; direct awards up to EUR 1,000 net are excluded.
• GIZ buyer reference (Leitweg-ID) for e-invoices: 993-80072-52.
• For financing agreements, the existing evidence process remains in place (currently not covered by the XRechnung standard).
• For questions on e-invoices and portal usage, the ERE project team will support you.

Contacts

• General questions about the Supplier Portal / e-invoicing: @email
• ERE/process questions: @email
• Outgoing e-invoice (issuance): @email, @email

Call to action
Project leads in Mali are asked to inform EU-based providers early about the e-invoicing requirement and the use of the GIZ Supplier Portal. Detailed process descriptions and FAQs can be found in the linked resources.

Visual suggestion
Neutral visual “digital invoice processing” or a local office context in Mali; landscape format.

Sources

• ERE project (Electronic Receipt of Invoices): https://gizonline.sharepoint.com/sites/group_1591/SitePages/Units/ProjektPortfoliomanagement/en-us/Projekt-Seite_ERE.aspx