On March 20, 2026, the Investment for Employment Facility (IEF) will launch a new call for project proposals in Senegal. Private companies, as well as public and non-profit organizations, will be able to apply for co-financing grants. To be eligible, investment projects must create jobs in the private sector. Grants range from €800,000 to €10 million per project and can cover between 25% and 90% of the total investment cost. This "job creation" component supports investments that generate sustainable employment in Senegal and help remove barriers to investment. Examples include investments in production units, equipment, skills development, and workforce training related to the planned job creation project.

New for 2026: In addition to the grant dedicated to job creation, applicants can also apply for co-financing for training measures that pave the way for potential employment in Germany. This option is reserved for applicants with a compelling job creation project in Senegal. Eligible activities include, for example, the construction, renovation, and equipping of buildings, classrooms, or workshops suitable for training in the national and German labor markets, as well as language training or skills development tailored to the needs of the German labor market. Concept notes that include this component will be given priority in the evaluation process.

Application Process: Applications for projects in Senegal can be submitted from March 20 to June 1, 2026. Initially, the IFE will conduct a pre-selection based on the submitted concept notes. Subsequently, shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit detailed project proposals, which will then undergo in-depth evaluation. Successful candidates will be offered a grant agreement.

The selection criteria are published at: invest-for-jobs.com/fr/centre-de-telechargement. The dates of the online information sessions will also be published. With the launch of the call for projects, IFE will set up a helpdesk to answer questions relating to the application process and the components of the call. Once launched, the helpdesk will be accessible at helpdesk-ife@invest-for-jobs.com. In addition, information requests can be sent to: cfp-ife.2026@invest-for-jobs.com

The Investment for Jobs Facility is an investment mechanism created by the KfW Development Bank as part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development's (BMZ) Special Initiative "Decent Jobs for a Just Transition." The Special Initiative operates under the brand name Invest for Jobs . Its objective is to create quality jobs and improve working conditions and social protection in its eight African partner countries, in cooperation with businesses.

To learn more: invest-for-jobs.com/fr