Skills Initiative for Africa
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
Calls for Proposals Opening 19 January 2023. For details, please click on the link below.Call Status and Deadlines
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROJECTS
Grant Amount per project
Between EUR 1 and 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
24 to 30 months
Window III
Calls for Proposals Opening 15 December 2022. For details, please click on the link below.INNOVATIVE SKILLS PROJECTS
Grant Amount per project
Between EUR 150,000 and 400,000
Thematic Areas
- Digital skills training delivery to enhance employability in the COVID-19 and post-pandemic era
- Supporting women, youth, and vulnerable groups to enhance employability and enterprise creation
- 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
Up to 24 months
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SIFA is an initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC) supported by the German Government to strengthen occupational prospects of young people in Africa.
Initiated by
Implemented by
Financed through
Co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union
