The Jobs Fund invites proposals that will address critical employment barriers in South Africa’s green and informal economies. We seek sector intermediaries from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors with solid implementation expertise to propose innovative and implementable solutions that will create sustainable jobs and stimulate economic growth. Successful proposals must demonstrate how interventions will overcome labour market barriers and ensure job sustainability beyond the initial grant funding period. All applications must be submitted online on the Jobs Fund Grant Management System, which can be accessed via the Jobs Fund website This funding round will be implemented using challenge fund principles, which means the Fund will deploy a portfolio approach in its consideration of proposals for funding.

What we’re tackling
South Africa’s unemployment rate is high, with youth (ages 15–34) and women facing the greatest challenges. In Q4 2024, the national unemployment rate was 31.9%, and youth unemployment reached 44.6%. Over 3.3 million people are employed in the informal sector, however the sector remains underdeveloped compared to other emerging economies. Both the green and informal economy hold untapped potential for job creation but face barriers such as skills gaps, financing challenges and regulatory issues.

Why this matters
The future of South Africa’s economy depends on both the formal and informal sectors, particularly in green innovation. The Jobs Fund aims to drive inclusive growth in these sectors by partnering with intermediaries that will create sustainable jobs while addressing environmental and social challenges.

Green economy: The green economy refers to economic activities that aim to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aim for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Sectors include renewable energy, waste management, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, green transport and water management.

Informal economy: The informal economy includes economic activities, enterprises, jobs and workers that are not covered by formal arrangements, such as enterprise regulatory frameworks or social and legal worker protection. Sectors include street vending, small retail, construction, care work, repair and maintenance services, artisanal work, market trading, waste picking, home-based work, small-scale farming and informal transportation.

The term sheet contains the full details of the funding round and can be accessed here.

Further guidance and information is contained in the links below:

• 12th Funding Round Brochure
• Application User Guide
• FAQs

• Briefing Session - 12th Funding Round - Presentation
• Briefing Session - 12th Funding Round - Session Recording

• Activity-Based Costing Project Implementation Monitoring Plan (ABC PIMP) – Its functionality and how to complete it.
• Grant Management System (GMS) Application Form – How to navigate the GMS and the requirements for each application section.
• Grant Agreement Standard Clauses, Contracting Process and Due Diligence.
• Post-training support offered by the Jobs Fund Team.

This session has concluded, click the links below to access the presentation and recording:

• Training Session - 12th Funding Round - Presentation
• Training Session - 12th Funding Round - Session Recording

• ABC PIMP Key Concepts
• The Results Chain
• Costing
• Financial tabs
• Post-training support

This session has concluded, click the links below to access the presentation and recording:

• Training Session - 12th Funding Round - Presentation
• Training Session - 12th Funding Round - Session Recording

Should your organisation not qualify for Jobs Fund grant funding, there are a number of other funding instruments available at National and Provincial levels which promote economic growth and facilitate job creation.

Please click on the links below for more information:
Development Agencies & DFIs
National Government Departments
Provincial Government Departments
SETAs
Land Bank