Germany Launches €10 Million Fund to Boost Job Creation in Egypt, With New Focus on German Labor Market
Cairo – A Germany-backed initiative will begin accepting applications April 15, 2026, for grants totaling up to €10 million aimed at fostering private sector job growth and skills development in Egypt. The Facility Investing for Employment (IFE) is opening a new funding round, with a notable addition: support for training programs preparing workers for potential employment opportunities in Germany.
The program, established by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is part of the broader Invest for Jobs Special Initiative. This initiative seeks to create decent jobs, improve working conditions, and strengthen social protection across eight African partner countries, including Egypt.
Grants will range from €800,000 to €10 million per project, covering between 25% and 90% of total investment costs. The IFE is inviting proposals from companies, as well as public and non-profit organizations, with a focus on sustainable employment opportunities. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear potential to create jobs within the private sector and address barriers to employment while bolstering productive capacity. Investments in production facilities, equipment, and skills development programs are among those considered.
This year marks the first time the IFE will consider co-financing training initiatives specifically geared towards preparing Egyptians for the German labor market. Concept notes incorporating this training component will be prioritized during the evaluation process. Eligible training investments include building or renovating facilities, equipping classrooms, language training, and technical upskilling aligned with German labor market needs.
The application window closes June 30, 2026. The selection process will unfold in two stages: an initial review of concept notes followed by a detailed evaluation of fully developed project proposals from shortlisted applicants.
The Invest for Jobs initiative collaborates with companies and institutions to tackle employment challenges and promote sustainable economic development throughout Africa. Further details on competition criteria and application guidelines will be available on the program’s online platform, with online information sessions and a dedicated helpdesk planned to support applicants.
