Apply for the GIZ South Africa Ideas Competition for Employment Promotion in Just Energy Transition Value Chains 2026 - a call for emerging and small NPOs, CBOs, NGOs and similar organisations to propose innovative projects that create jobs and income in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
The competition is implemented by GFA Consulting on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) project (commissioned by BMZ; co-funded by the EU and SECO; in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training).
Quick Facts - GIZ CPD4E Ideas Competition 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Ideas Competition - Employment Promotion in JET Value Chains |
| Organisation | GIZ South Africa / CPD4E (via GFA Consulting) |
| Who applies | Emerging & small NPOs / CBOs / NGOs (and similar) based in South Africa |
| Focus | Employment & income in Just Energy Transition value chains |
| Priority beneficiaries | Youth, women, persons with disabilities |
| Priority provinces / zones | Skills Development Zones in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape |
| Support | Funding + capacity-building for selected proposals |
| Deadline | 11 September 2026, 17:00 SAST |
| Official apply | CPD4E Ideas Competition - Application Form |
What the Competition Seeks
Innovative, practical, and scalable project ideas that expand employment and income-generating opportunities linked to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition - particularly in communities and Skills Development Zones affected by the energy transition.
What Successful Applicants Receive
- Funding to implement selected project ideas
- Capacity-building support alongside financial assistance
- Opportunity to deliver solutions in priority Skills Development Zones (Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape)
Exact grant amounts and implementation terms are set out in the official call documents - confirm on the application form and any attached guidelines before submitting.
Eligibility
- Emerging and small NPOs, CBOs, NGOs, or similar organisations
- Based in South Africa
- Proposals that create or expand employment/income opportunities in JET-related value chains
- Strong focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities preferred
- Ideas relevant to Skills Development Zones in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and/or Eastern Cape
How to Apply
- Review the CPD4E project context: Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) - GIZ.
- Prepare a clear project idea: problem, target group, JET link, jobs/income pathway, and location (priority provinces).
- Submit via the official form: Microsoft Forms - Ideas Competition Application.
- Complete all required fields before 11 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST.
Official Links
Apply - GIZ / CPD4E Ideas Competition Form
GIZ - Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E)
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FAQs - GIZ South Africa Ideas Competition 2026
What is the deadline?
11 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST (South Africa Standard Time).
Who can apply?
Emerging and small NPOs, CBOs, NGOs and similar organisations based in South Africa.
What do winners get?
Selected organisations receive funding and capacity-building to implement innovative employment solutions in JET value chains, with a focus on Skills Development Zones in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape.
Who are the priority beneficiaries?
Youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Where do I apply?
Use the official Microsoft Forms link: Application Form.
