Invest for Jobs I Services for universities

Promoting education and economic growth

Academically qualified young talents represent the innovation potential for tomorrow's labour markets. Nevertheless, unemployment among young academics in Africa is high. One cause for the lack of prospects is that universities and companies only cooperate to a limited extent.

We strengthen the collaboration between universities and companies

This is where the University-Business Partnership Programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), comes in – closing the gap between universities and industry. In the process, practically relevant content and entrepreneurial skills are integrated into degree programmes - with the participation of German and African businesses. This ensures the transfer of knowledge from companies to universities and the transfer of innovation from academia to the world of work.

In addition to the joint development of curricula, the establishment of study-related internships, career centres or realistic case studies are important elements of the partnerships. The DAAD also supports application-oriented research projects as well as consulting and networking services.

In addition to this offer, financial support from the Facility Investing for Employment can be an interesting option: If universities in the Special Initiative’s partner countries want to invest in the creation of additional jobs and study places, they can apply for funding by the Facility. Participating universities must make a substantial contribution of their own and must show how their projects sustainably contribute to qualifying people for the labour market.

Our advisory and financing services at a glance

University-Business-Partnerships with funding opportunities

University-Business-Partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and Business Partners in Germany and in Africa

The University-Business-Partnership Programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides higher education institutions with a well-established funding programme within the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”. Funding within the framework of the Programme is possible if:

German universities cooperate with higher education institutions in the partner countries and business partners from both regions (Germany and partner country),
Practical higher education is offered within the framework of the cooperation and study programmes relevant to the labour market are developed,
Graduates are trained to be employable and/or supported in founding their own start-ups.

Work with us to establish a successful University-Business-Partnership in one of the eight African partner countries.

We offer:

Funding of preparatory visits ("Fact Finding Missions" up to 21 days incl. return visit)
Project funding of up to € 800,000 over 4 years (a follow-up application is possible under certain conditions).
Advice on the application process
Support during the project term
Networking opportunities through launch conferences and project leader meetings

Further information on the programmes can be found on the DAAD programme pages:

University-Business-Partnerships

Fact-Finding-Missions

Financial support for your project

Starting in the first half of 2020, the Facility “Investing for Employment“ of KfW Development Bank will provide funding for companies, non-profit organisations and public partners to overcome obstacles to investment, for example for

construction and equipment of training centres
investments in IT
access roads
improvement of electricity supply
improvement of the local supply industry

Investment projects by universities are eligible for funding.

The facility provides grants through calls for proposals for employment-enhancing investments, accompanying advisory services and the set-up of investments, such as environmental and social impact assessments. This will remove barriers to creating of additional and better jobs in the private sector.

Generally, funding is made by means of competitive call for proposals on the basis of transparent funding criteria. The project partners are expected to make a substantial contribution.

Funding per project: 1 million euro to 10 million euro

Please click here for further information regarding the Investment Facility and its current Call(s) for Proposals

Here you can find examples of projects of the investment facility “Investing for Employment”

Jointly establish successful practical partnerships between universities and companies!

Get in touch

Are you interested in a practical partnership and would like to cooperate with companies or other universities? If so, please use our contact form or send us an e-mail to info@invest-for-jobs.com. We will be happy to help you free of charge and without any obligation.
Our experts identify suitable partners

Our experienced consultants analyse your project and identify potential cooperation partners. We advise you on the individual funding opportunities and make our network available to you.
We help with the initiation and implementation of your partnerships

If required, we will support you in the concretisation of your idea and the implementation of practical partnerships on site.
Finding the right funding opportunities

We help you to find the ideal financial support for the development of your partnerships.
Building successful cooperations with a strong team

Our international teams of the implementing organisations accompany you in the realisation of your partnerships.

Calls for Proposals

You would like to implement an investment project which creates new jobs? Take part now in a call for proposals in our partner countries in order to receive co-financing grants. You will also find information about previous and future calls for proposals.

Find out more

Make your mark on the
job market of tomorrow