Barriers to Employment in the Green and Informal Economies
The Jobs Fund, established in 2011, is a pioneering challenge fund that provides grant-based co-financing to projects with the potential to drive sustainable job creation in South Africa. By partnering with public, private, and not-for-profit intermediaries, the Fund supports innovative initiatives that address employment barriers, promote inclusive economic growth, and create long-term livelihood opportunities across sectors.
The Jobs Fund has now opened its 12th Call for Proposals under the theme “Breaking Barriers to Employment in the Green and Informal Economies.” This round seeks proposals from experienced sector intermediaries proposing innovative, high-impact projects in the green and informal economies. Applications opened on 22 April 2025 and will close on 5 June 2025 at 15:00. The full Term Sheet, including eligibility and appraisal criteria, is available on the Jobs Fund website at www.jobsfund.org.za.
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed interventions will address specific labour market barriers such as limited skills, financing gaps, and regulatory obstacles and ensure job sustainability beyond the grant period. Applicants are required to provide matched funding through private contributions, revenue generation, or co-financing. Only experienced sector intermediaries with a proven track record of managing large-scale initiatives are eligible. Proposals must demonstrate a path to financial and operational sustainability beyond the grant period and provide a detailed plan for achieving measurable impact, including job creation and support for vulnerable groups.
The Jobs Fund benefit comes in the form of a cost sharing grant. Private companies and public entities must demonstrate ability to provide cash matched funding in a ratio of 1:1 and NPOs/NGOs benefit from a more advantageous ratio of 1:0.5. The minimum grant size is R5 million for applications and proposed projects must achieve project outcomes (e.g job creation). Projects must be implementable over a three-year period, with clear milestones and measurable outcomes.
This funding round prioritises job creation in the green and informal economies. The green economy includes sectors that promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic growth such as renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass), sustainable agriculture and agri-tech, energy efficiency, waste management and recycling, water and wastewater management, green transport, and eco-friendly buildings. The informal economy encompasses a wide range of economic activities that are often unregulated or lacking formal protections and includes areas such as street vending, small-scale farming, informal building trades, care work (including childcare and eldercare), artisans and repair services, as well as informal transport and delivery services.
The funding rounds are highly competitive, and all applications will be assessed against the impact criteria of the programme. Proposals must demonstrate strong social impact, particularly for marginalised communities, with a clear theory of change and measurable outcomes. Projects should exhibit additionality, proving they would not be viable without the Fund’s support and should address specific funding risks that deter other investors. A convincing path to sustainability is essential, with well-defined milestones. Proposals should introduce innovative approaches, be scalable or replicable, contribute to systemic change in their sector, and be backed by organisations with the capacity, experience, and infrastructure to deliver and measure impact effectively.
Contact Catalyst Solutions if your company is interested in accessing Jobs Fund grant support or if you require additional information.
Jo-Anne Balcorta
joanne@catalystsolutions.global
082 310 6863
Moeketsi Marumo
moeketsi@catalystsolutions.global
082 080 9416
Pieter Wagener
pieter@catalystsolutions.global
082 857 5120
© 2025 Catalyst Solutions – Alle Rechte vorbehalten | Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen
