Capacity building in VET in Sub-Saharan Africa

Overview

Funding for international cooperation projects that strengthen vocational education and training (VET) systems in Sub-Saharan Africa by improving institutional capacity, governance, and labor market alignment. Targets VET providers, public and private stakeholders, and business associations in eligible EU and partner countries.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include VET institutions, public authorities, non-governmental organizations, enterprises, and business associations from EU Member States, third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme, and Sub-Saharan African countries not associated with the Programme. Consortia must involve at least four organizations from a minimum of three countries, including at least two EU Member States or associated countries and two Sub-Saharan African countries.

Funding Details

• Total budget: Not specified.
• Grant amount: Maximum EUR 1 million per project.
• Funding rate: Up to 80% of eligible costs.
• Project duration: 24 to 36 months.

What Is Funded

• Capacity building for VET providers in management, governance, quality assurance, and innovation.
• Strengthening cooperation between VET institutions and private sector stakeholders to enhance employment opportunities.
• Development of demand-driven VET interventions aligned with local, regional, and national development strategies.
• Initiatives to improve the relevance, accessibility, and responsiveness of VET systems.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4 and 6, indicating validation in a laboratory or relevant environment and prototype demonstration.

Key Dates

• Call publication: 2025-11-27
• Application deadline: 2026-03-25T23:00:00Z (Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: April to September 2026
• Applicant notification: September 2026
• Grant agreement signature: December 2026

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Required documents include a technical description (Part B, max 40 pages), standard application form, and detailed budget table.
• Proposals must adhere to the ERASMUS+ Programme Guide 2026.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting on project progress, financial expenditures, and outcomes as outlined in the Model Grant Agreement.
• Dissemination of project results and best practices to relevant stakeholders.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Sub-Saharan African countries not associated with the Programme.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• An organization may coordinate a maximum of two proposals under this action.
• Queries related to the call must be submitted by 2026-03-13T23:00:00Z (Brussels time).
• Projects must align with broader EU policy objectives, including Global Gateway investment packages and Talent Partnerships.