Casablanca – In a significant move to foster sustainable employment in Morocco, the Facility for Employment Investment (IFE) and the Partnership for Employment Program (PPE II) have launched two new calls for project proposals. This announcement was made during an event held in Casablanca on Thursday, May 16, 2024, attended by representatives from the German Embassy in Rabat, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, and KfW Development Bank.
These initiatives are part of the broader special initiative “Decent Employment for a Just Transition” by BMZ, implemented by KfW and GIZ in collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. They aim to create sustainable job opportunities and ensure access to social protection systems.
Hisham Shahir, Program Manager for the Facility for Employment Investment in Morocco, explained that the event was aimed at private sector companies affiliated with the German Chamber of Commerce in Morocco. The goal was to officially announce the calls for project proposals, which are designed to attract investment projects that contribute to job creation.
The First Call: Facility for Employment Investment (IFE)
The first call from IFE offers substantial financial support to projects that can generate sustainable jobs. Grants ranging from $910,000 to $6.4 million are available for both public and private sector projects selected through a competitive process. The projects must ensure the creation of sustainable employment opportunities and provide access to social security. The grants will cover between 25% and 90% of the total planned investment.
The Second Call: Challenge Fund 2024 by PPE II
The second call, known as the “Challenge Fund 2024” by PPE II, targets projects that promote job creation, particularly those incorporating environmental sustainability, female employment, and digitalization measures. Companies selected through this call can receive co-financing of up to $160,000, which can cover up to 70% of their investment project budget. In addition to financial support, these projects will also benefit from operational and technical assistance throughout their implementation.
A Long-Standing Partnership
Shahir highlighted that these initiatives are part of the long-standing German-Moroccan partnership aimed at supporting structural projects in Morocco, especially those that contribute to private sector development and job creation. He noted that the selection process for funding involves rigorous criteria, including the number of new jobs created, improvements in working conditions and income, and the overall sustainability and feasibility of the projects.
Léonard Hessling, Country Manager for Morocco at BMZ, emphasized the importance of job creation for Morocco’s development, particularly given the large young population. He noted that these efforts are crucial for both rural and urban areas, leveraging the potential of the young workforce.
The launch of these calls for project proposals underscores the commitment of the German Cooperation to support Morocco in its journey towards sustainable development and economic growth. By providing substantial financial and technical support, these initiatives aim to create meaningful and lasting employment opportunities, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient economy in Morocco.
