The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) Call for Proposals 2026 is now open, offering a major funding opportunity for organizations and businesses to implement impactful projects focused on job creation and skills development in Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
Launched under the German government’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, this programme provides grant funding for private sector projects that demonstrate strong potential to create sustainable employment and improve workforce skills.
This initiative is particularly important for organizations aiming to drive economic growth, youth employment, and workforce development in Africa while aligning with global development goals.
About the Facility Investing for Employment (IFE)
The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) is implemented by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The primary objective of the programme is to:
- Create new, sustainable jobs in the private sector
- Improve working conditions and income levels
- Enhance skills development and vocational training
- Promote inclusive economic growth, especially for women and youth
Projects are evaluated not only on job creation but also on quality, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Key Focus Areas of the 2026 Call
The 2026 call emphasizes:
1. Job Creation (Mandatory Component)
Projects must:
- Be mature and ready for implementation
- Demonstrate clear potential for job creation in the private sector
- Be financially viable and sustainable
- Include co-financing from applicants
Projects must fall under one of IFE’s defined investment categories.
2. Training and Skills Development (Optional Component)
Applicants can also apply for additional funding to support:
- Vocational training programmes
- Workforce upskilling initiatives
- Language and technical training aligned with labor market needs
Target sectors include:
- Construction and related industries
- Metal and electrical industries
- Education and social services
- Food processing
- Transport and logistics
- Information technology
- Hospitality and tourism
Eligible activities may include:
- Building or upgrading training facilities
- Providing equipment and learning materials
- Delivering specialized technical or language training
More information can be found in the Guidelines for Applicants that are available in the Download Center.
What the Grant Covers
The IFE programme provides grant funding to support:
- Capital investments for job-creating projects
- Infrastructure development
- Training and capacity-building initiatives
The funding is designed to complement applicants’ own financial contributions, ensuring project sustainability.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are assessed based on:
- Number of new jobs created
- Cost per job created
- Improvement in working conditions or income
- Number of people benefiting from training
- Additional impact for women and youth
- Contribution to feminist development and just transition
- Synergies with other development initiatives
Projects that demonstrate high impact and inclusivity receive additional evaluation points.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to:
Individual Applicants
- Legal entities registered in Ghana, Senegal, or Tunisia
- Must have been operational for at least three years
Consortia
- Two or more legal entities
- Must be registered in:
- The target country
- Africa
- EU/EFTA countries
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement and co-finance projects.
Application Process
The IFE Call for Proposals follows a two-stage competitive process:
Stage 1: Concept Note Submission
- Applicants submit a concept note online
- Proposals are evaluated based on predefined criteria
- Top proposals are shortlisted
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
- Shortlisted applicants submit detailed proposals
- Projects undergo due diligence and potential site visits
- Approved projects receive grant agreements
Important Dates
- Application Window Opens: 20 March 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 (17:00 CEST)
- Questions Deadline: 15 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early and participate in webinars for guidance.
Webinars and Support
To assist applicants, the programme offers:
- Multiple webinars (April–May 2026)
- Guidance on application requirements
- Live demonstrations of the application platform
Applicants can also:
- Contact the IFE Helpdesk
- Email support teams for clarification
Why You Should Apply
The IFE Call for Proposals 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:
- Access significant grant funding
- Scale projects that create real employment opportunities
- Improve skills development and workforce readiness
- Contribute to economic transformation in Africa
- Align with international development priorities
This is an ideal opportunity for organizations committed to impact-driven development and sustainable job creation.
How to Apply
For projects in Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, submit your applicationHERE.
Ensure that your concept note is complete and aligned with the programme’s objectives.
In case of questions, please visit the FAQ. If you cannot find the information you need, please send an email to cfp-ife.2026@invest-for-jobs.com
Click HERE to read more about the Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) Call for Proposals 2026.
Discover more global grant opportunities on OFY HERE.