Germany’s IFE launches funding call offering up to €10 million for job-creating projects in Egypt
Germany’s Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) Initiative has announced on Monday a new round of funding in Egypt aimed at boosting private-sector job creation, with grants of up to €10 million available for individual projects.
The initiative said applications will open on 15 April 2026, offering co-financing ranging from €800,000 to €10 million per project. The programme is designed to support investment projects that generate employment opportunities in Egypt’s private sector.
The call for proposals will be open to organisations across all economic sectors, including private companies, public institutions and non-profit organisations.
Focus on job creation
To qualify for the funding, projects must demonstrate their potential to create jobs within Egypt’s private sector.
According to the initiative, grants can cover between 25% and 90% of a project’s total investment costs.
The funding is intended to support investments that generate sustainable employment and help remove barriers to investment. Eligible activities include building or expanding production facilities, purchasing equipment, and supporting skills development and workforce training linked to the job-creation project.
New element for 2026
For the 2026 funding round, applicants will also have the option to seek co-financing for training programmes that prepare workers for potential employment opportunities in Germany.
This additional funding stream will only be available to applicants that present strong job-creation proposals within Egypt.
Eligible activities include building, renovating or equipping training centres, classrooms or workshops designed to meet the needs of both the Egyptian and German labour markets. The programmes may also include language courses and technical training aligned with skills required in Germany.
The initiative said project proposals that include this training component will receive priority during the evaluation process.
Application process
Applications in Egypt will be accepted from 15 April to 30 June 2026.
The selection process will take place in two stages. First, applicants will submit concept notes, which will undergo an initial screening. Those shortlisted will then be invited to submit full project proposals, which will be evaluated in greater detail.
Successful applicants will be awarded grant contracts, the initiative said.
Further information
Details about the competition criteria are available through the programme’s download centre at:
https://invest-for-jobs.com/en/ife-download-center
The initiative also plans to hold information sessions for potential applicants and will provide a Helpdesk to answer questions related to the application process and grant details.
Once the call opens, the Helpdesk can be contacted at:
helpdesk-ife@invest-for-jobs.com
Enquiries can also be sent to:
cfp-ife.2026@invest-for-jobs.com
About the programme
The Investing for Employment (IFE) facility was established by the German development bank KfW, on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
It forms part of the Decent Work for a Just Transition Initiative, which operates under the Invest for Jobs brand.
The programme works with companies to create sustainable employment opportunities, improve working conditions, and strengthen social protection across eight African partner countries, including Egypt.
More information about the initiative and its support services is available at:
https://invest-for-jobs.com/en/