Germany to Fund Egyptian Job Creation with up to €10 Million in Grants
Egypt is set to receive significant funding from Germany to bolster job creation and workforce development, with the Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) launching a new funding round on April 15, 2026. The initiative will offer co-financing grants ranging from €800,000 to €10 million per project, covering 25% to 90% of total investment costs .
Who Can Apply?
The funding is open to a wide range of applicants, including companies, public organizations, and non-profit entities. Projects must demonstrate a clear potential to create sustainable employment opportunities within Egypt’s private sector .
What Types of Projects Will Be Funded?
The IFE funding will support investments aimed at addressing barriers to employment and strengthening productive capacity. Eligible activities include:
- Investments in production facilities
- Procurement of new equipment
- Skills development programs
- Workforce training directly linked to job creation
New Focus on German Labor Market Alignment
In a first for the program, applicants can now seek co-financing for training initiatives designed to prepare workers for potential employment opportunities in Germany. This component is available only to those with strong proposals for local job creation . Eligible training investments include:
- Construction or refurbishment of training facilities
- Equipping classrooms and workshops
- Language training
- Technical upskilling aligned with German labor market needs
Concept notes that incorporate this training component will be prioritized during the evaluation process .
Application Timeline and Process
Applications will be accepted from April 15 to June 30, 2026. The selection process will occur in two stages:
- Stage One: Submission and pre-selection of concept notes.
- Stage Two: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full project proposals for detailed evaluation.
Successful applicants will then receive grant agreements to implement their projects. Detailed competition criteria and application guidelines will be available on the program’s online platform. The Facility will also host online information sessions and provide a helpdesk to support applicants .
Invest for Jobs Initiative
The Facility Investing for Employment is established by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as part of the Invest for Jobs Special Initiative. This initiative aims to create decent jobs, improve working conditions, and strengthen social protection in eight African partner countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia .
United for Youth: Social Partners for Jobs in Africa
On March 17, 2026, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) will host “United for Youth: Social Partners for Jobs in Africa” in Berlin, Germany. The event will focus on addressing barriers to youth employment in Africa and will feature remarks from Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Bärbel Kofler, testimonials from young professionals, and panel discussions with representatives from trade unions and employers . Participation is available in person or online, with limited places available. Interested parties can contact unitedforyouth@giz.de for registration details .
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