SIFA - Skills Initiative for Africa

SIFA is an initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC) supported by the German Government to strengthen occupational prospects of young people in Africa.
To begin with eight countries have been selected as pilot countries – Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia.

SIFA finances skills development projects in several African countries. Projects should contribute to employment-oriented skills development for young people.

Selected projects can receive a grant between EUR 0.2 to 3 million for sustainable and innovative initiatives.

Grants are allocated on a competitive basis through three different windows. More

Hover over the map to discover more about SIFA's pilot countries.

Population
Million

HDI (Human Development Index)

Population under 25 years (%)

Youth Unemployment (% ages 15-25)

    RESULTS

    Result I:

    Selected institutions have been capacitated to provide employment-oriented skills development.

    Result II:

    Access to employment-oriented skills development for young people is improved, in particular for women, students from low income groups, refugees and migrants.

    Result III:

    Private sector contributes to improving skills development by participating in the design and the delivery of employment-oriented skills development programmes.

    Result IV:

    Lessons learned and best practices are disseminated at national, regional and continental level.

    Funding Windows

    Window I

    This Funding Window is now closed.

    LARGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROJECTS

    Grant Amount per project
    Up to EUR 3 million

    Thematic Area
    Large investment projects

    Eligible Applicants
    Lead: Domestic public or private accredited training provider
    Primary Partner
    : Domestic private sector entity

    Applicant contribution
    At least 10% of total project cost/investment

    Project Implementation Period
    Up to 30 months

    Window II

    This Funding Window is now closed.

    Call Status and Deadlines

    SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROJECTS

    Grant Amount per project
    Up to EUR 1.5 million

    Thematic Area
    Skills development investment projects

    Eligible Applicants
    Lead: International company with training activities
    Primary Partner:
    Domestic public or private accredited training provider

    Applicant contribution
    At least 30 % of total project cost/ investment

    Project Implementation Period
    Up to 28 months

    Window III

    This Funding Window is now closed.

    Call Status and Deadlines

    INNOVATIVE SKILLS PROJECTS

    Grant Amount per project
    Between EUR 150,000 and 400,000

    Thematic Areas

    1. Digital Tools and Skills
    2. Female Entrepreneurship and Employability
    3. Training Innovation in Informal Sectors

    Eligible Applicants
    Professional TVET entities from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and organisations supporting entrepreneurship in the labour market

    Applicant contribution
    10% of total project cost (in cash or in-kind)

    Project Implementation Period
    14 to 18 months

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