Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) Grant Program provides co-financing grants from €800,000 to €10 million to support job creation and skills development in selected African countries. The program targets private sector investment projects with strong sustainability and employment impact. It also offers an optional training component in Egypt and Morocco, linking skills development to labor market needs and international opportunities.
What Is the IFE Grant Program?
The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) is a funding initiative that supports large-scale investment projects aimed at creating jobs and strengthening labor markets in Africa.
The program focuses on:
- Private sector job creation
- Skills development and training
- Improved working conditions and income
- Inclusive employment opportunities
It is designed for mature, investment-ready projects that can deliver sustainable economic and social impact.
Key Objectives of the Program
The IFE program aims to:
- Generate sustainable employment in the private sector
- Strengthen national labor markets
- Improve workforce skills and employability
- Promote women and youth inclusion
- Support a just economic transition
- Enhance working conditions and income levels
Core Components of the Grant
1. Job Creation Component
This is the primary funding stream, focused on:
- Creating new jobs in the private sector
- Supporting scalable business investments
- Ensuring financial and operational sustainability
2. Optional Training Component (Egypt and Morocco Only)
Available for projects in Egypt and Morocco, this component supports:
- Construction or refurbishment of training facilities
- Provision of equipment and infrastructure
- Delivery of technical and language training
- Alignment of skills with labor market needs
- Potential pathways to employment opportunities in Germany
Funding Details and Structure
Grant Amount
- Minimum: €800,000
- Maximum: €10,000,000
Co-Financing Model
- Grants are provided as co-financing
- Applicants must contribute partial funding
- Funding level depends on project type and structure
Project Requirement
- Projects must be mature and investment-ready
- Projects must not have started yet
Priority Sectors
Eligible sectors include:
- Construction
- Metal and electrical industries
- Education and social services
- Food processing
- Transport and logistics
- Information technology (IT)
- Hospitality
- Health sector (Egypt only)
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Individual legal entities (no consortia required)
Eligible Countries
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Morocco
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be registered in the project country
- Have been operational for at least 3 years
- Demonstrate financial and operational capacity
- Show strong potential for job creation and sustainability
Why This Grant Matters
Economic Impact
- Drives large-scale job creation
- Supports private sector growth
Skills Development
- Bridges the gap between education and employment
- Improves workforce readiness
Social Inclusion
- Promotes opportunities for women and youth
- Supports equitable economic development
International Linkages
- Connects training programs to global labor markets, including Germany
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Develop a Mature Investment Project
- Ensure the project is ready for implementation
- Focus on job creation potential
Step 2: Define Employment Impact
- Estimate number of jobs to be created
- Describe working conditions and income improvements
Step 3: Design Training Component (Optional)
- For Egypt and Morocco, include skills development plans
- Align training with market demand
Step 4: Prepare Financial Plan
- Define total investment size
- Specify co-financing contribution
- Request grant within €800,000–€10 million range
Step 5: Compile Documentation
- Legal registration proof
- Financial statements
- Project feasibility studies
Step 6: Submit Application
- Ensure all requirements are met
- Clearly demonstrate impact, feasibility, and sustainability
Step 7: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Job creation potential
- Financial and operational viability
- Alignment with program objectives
- Social and economic impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects that are not investment-ready
- Weak or unclear job creation estimates
- Lack of co-financing commitment
- Ignoring eligibility requirements (country, operational years)
- Poor alignment with priority sectors
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on measurable job creation outcomes
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability
- Provide a clear financial structure
- Highlight skills development and inclusion
- Align with sector priorities and market demand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the funding range?
Grants range from €800,000 to €10 million per project.
2. Who can apply?
Legal entities registered in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, or Morocco with at least 3 years of operation.
3. Are startups eligible?
No, applicants must have at least three years of operational history.
4. Is co-financing required?
Yes, applicants must provide partial funding alongside the grant.
5. What types of projects are supported?
Mature investment projects focused on job creation and economic growth.
6. Is training support available?
Yes, but only in Egypt and Morocco as an optional component.
7. Can projects already in progress apply?
No, projects must not have started before application.
Conclusion
The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) Grant Program is a high-value funding opportunity for businesses seeking to create jobs and strengthen labor markets in Africa. By supporting investment-ready projects with strong employment and skills development outcomes, the program plays a crucial role in driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
For more information, visit IFE.
