RFPs: Capacity building in VET in Sub-Saharan Africa

Deadline: 26-Mar-2026

The Capacity Building in VET action supports multilateral cooperation to enhance the relevance, quality, and accessibility of VET systems in third countries. Grants up to EUR 500,000 enable projects to strengthen institutional capacity, align VET with labour market needs, and promote sustainable socio-economic development, with priority for Sub-Saharan Africa and Global Gateway-related initiatives.

Overview

The Capacity Building in the Field of Vocational Education and Training (VET) promotes international cooperation through multilateral partnerships involving organizations in EU Member States, Programme-associated third countries, and third countries not associated with the Programme. The action aims to strengthen the relevance, accessibility, and responsiveness of VET systems, using education and training as drivers for sustainable socio-economic development.

Objectives of the Action

Projects under this action focus on:

• Building the capacity of VET providers to enhance cooperation between public and private stakeholders

• Improving the quality and responsiveness of VET to socio-economic opportunities and social developments

• Aligning VET provision with local, regional, and national development strategies

• Addressing thematic priorities including work-based learning, quality assurance, professional development of VET staff, entrepreneurship, citizenship, public-private dialogue, innovation, green and digital skills, STEM education, skills matching, curricula and training development

• Including additional relevant themes that contribute to the overall objectives of the action

Implementation and Activities

Projects aim to:

• Strengthen management, governance, inclusion, quality assurance, and innovation capacities of VET institutions

• Reinforce the skills of VET staff and teachers

• Improve links between VET providers and the labour market

• Foster cooperation and exchange through capacity-building tools

• Involve the private sector in curriculum design and delivery

• Develop pedagogical approaches and teaching materials

• Facilitate international or virtual exchange activities for VET staff, with any mobility fully integrated into project objectives

Grant Information and Duration

• Maximum EU Grant per Project: EUR 500,000

• Project Duration: Normally 36 months, extensions possible if justified

• Projects prioritize capacity-building, innovation, and labour-market relevance

Geographic and Thematic Priorities

• Priority is given to Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly least developed and migration-priority countries

• Initiatives addressing Global Gateway-related priorities are favored

• Projects fostering effective public-private dialogue and cooperation are prioritized

• No single country may access more than eight percent of the regional funding allocation

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants and participating organisations must be legal entities, either public or private, actively engaged in VET or the labour market. These include:

• VET providers and educational institutions

• Companies and employer organizations

• National or regional qualification authorities

• Employment services

• Research institutes and innovation agencies

• Regional development authorities

• International organisations
  All participating organisations must be established in an eligible country, including EU Member States, Programme-associated third countries, or third countries from designated eligible regions.

How to Apply

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure your organization and partners are legally recognized and active in VET or the labour market.

2. Establish Partnerships: Form multilateral collaborations across eligible countries.

3. Prepare Project Proposal: Define objectives, outcomes, work packages, budget, and thematic focus.

4. Align Activities: All actions must contribute directly to capacity building, labour market relevance, and socio-economic impact.

5. Submit Application: Follow official procedures and deadlines of the funding programme.

6. Evaluation: Applications are assessed for impact, innovation, sustainability, and alignment with geographic and thematic priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying from ineligible organizations or individuals

• Lack of multilateral partnerships

• Failing to demonstrate labour market relevance or sustainability

• Ignoring alignment with local, regional, or national strategies

• Overlooking priority countries and themes

FAQ: Capacity Building in VET

1. What is the maximum grant amount? EUR 500,000 per project.
2. What is the typical project duration? 36 months, extensions possible if justified.
3. Who can apply? Legal entities active in VET or the labour market, including VET providers, companies, research institutes, innovation agencies, employment services, regional authorities, and international organisations.
4. Which countries are eligible? EU Member States, Programme-associated third countries, and third countries from designated eligible regions. Priority is given to Sub-Saharan Africa and migration-priority countries.
5. Are private companies eligible? Yes, if they are engaged in VET or labour market activities and part of the multilateral partnership.
6. What types of activities are supported? Capacity-building, work-based learning, private sector collaboration, innovation in VET, curricula development, pedagogical improvements, and international exchanges for staff.
7. How is geographic funding allocation managed? No country can access more than eight percent of the regional funding allocation to ensure equitable distribution.

Why It Matters

Capacity Building in VET strengthens educational institutions, improves labour market alignment, and fosters sustainable socio-economic development in third countries. By enhancing VET quality, innovation, and staff competence, it equips learners with skills for green, digital, and STEM-related sectors, supporting long-term employability and socio-economic resilience.

Conclusion

This programme provides a strategic opportunity for VET providers, companies, and other stakeholders to enhance institutional capacity, strengthen public-private cooperation, and innovate in education and training. By participating, organizations contribute to sustainable development, reinforce international collaboration, and ensure that VET systems are responsive to current and future labour market needs, with priority given to high-impact regions and thematic areas.

For more information, visit European Commission.