Applications will be open from 15 April to 30 June 2026, targeting companies as well as public and non-profit organizations with investment projects that generate sustainable employment in the Egyptian labour market.
The Facility Investing for Employment is a German-backed investment mechanism providing co-financing grants, ranging from €800,000 to €10 million, to support job-creating projects in Africa.
The initiative, implemented by KfW Development Bank on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, focuses primarily on financing projects that remove investment barriers and create jobs through expanding production, upgrading equipment, and developing workforce skills.
Grants linked to job creation
Under the programme, IFE will provide grants ranging from 800,000 to 10 million euros, covering between 25 percent and 90 percent of total investment costs, depending on the project type.
Eligible projects are divided into four categories, including non-profit initiatives and for-profit investments, with higher co-financing rates allocated to projects with limited or no revenue generation.
The facility requires applicants to co-finance their projects and demonstrate financial and operational viability, with funding limited to mature projects that have not yet started.
New training component introduced
For the first time in 2026, applicants can also access additional funding for training programmes aimed at improving workforce skills in Egypt, with a potential pathway to employment opportunities in Germany.
This component will prioritize sectors such as construction, manufacturing, education, healthcare, food processing, logistics, IT, and hospitality.
Eligible activities include building and equipping training facilities, as well as providing language and technical training aligned with labour market needs.
Two-stage selection process
The application process will take place in two stages. It begins with pre-selection based on concept notes, followed by detailed project proposals from shortlisted applicants.
Successful candidates will be offered grant contracts upon completion of the evaluation process.
Officials highlight job creation focus
Kareem Gad, regional director of the initiative, said the grants are fully non-repayable and primarily aimed at generating employment in Egypt.
He acknowledged that the application process may be demanding but noted that support is available through consultations and online workshops to guide applicants.
At the launch event, previous grant recipients, including representatives from healthcare, manufacturing, and technical education sectors, shared their experiences, highlighting how the funding helped expand operations, overcome economic challenges, and create jobs.
The IFE programme is part of Germany’s broader “Invest for Jobs” initiative, which seeks to promote decent work and support private sector development in partner countries, including Egypt.
Under Egypt’s economic development narrative, the government aims to create 1.5 million job opportunities in partnership with the private sector by 2030.
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