U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0019410
- Agency
-
Bureau of African Affairs
Department of State
- Applications due
- Award size
- $5,000,000 to $50,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Business and Commerce
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Higher Education Inst. (Private)
- Higher Education Inst. (Public)
- Small Businesses
- For Profit Organizations
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Non-501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Points of contact
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of State Bureau of African Affairs is soliciting applications for the U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program, a cooperative agreement and grant opportunity funding market-based solutions across Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration in sub-Saharan Africa, with a Statements of Interest due May 31, 2027 for Window 4.
Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), institutions of higher education (public and private), small businesses, and public international organizations. Foreign government entities and U.S. government entities are ineligible as prime applicants but may serve as unfunded partners or beneficiaries. Cost sharing is not required.
Awards range from $5 million to $50 million per award, with approximately 10 awards anticipated across $500 million in FY 2026 National Security Investment Program funding pending availability. Performance periods span 12 to 36 months with program start dates no later than October 1, 2027. All funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027. Profit or fee is prohibited for prime recipients and subrecipients.
Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to one or more sub-Saharan countries—such as increased investment from high-quality U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies—and strengthen enabling environments for foreign investment through transparent, competitive processes. Critical Minerals activities include geological mapping, local value-addition development, policy and regulatory strengthening, and workforce development. Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration activities address regulatory frameworks, workforce development, enabling infrastructure, and market access barriers in telecommunications, energy, emerging technologies, and healthcare sectors.
The Merit Review Panel applies 40% weight to program quality and feasibility (including foreign policy goals and supply chain commitment), 25% to organizational capacity and experience, 20% to leverage and burden sharing (cash or in-kind resources), and 15% to program planning and ability to achieve objectives.
The application process is two-phased: applicants submit a 2-page Statement of Interest first; selected SOI applicants then advance to either consultative program design or direct full proposal submission. CFDA 19.989.
Synopsis
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program advances America's national interests by harnessing market-based, private sector-led growth across two strategic focus areas: Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. This program seeks market-based solutions that strengthen the environment for foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa through transparent and competitive processes, creating sustainable economic growth in two strategic focus areas. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to one or more sub-Saharan countries, such as increased investment from high-quality U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies. Applicants are also encouraged to identify how their projects create conditions that enable U.S. commercial participation.
Update #1 ·
The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program advances America's national interests by harnessing market-based, private sector-led growth across two strategic focus areas: Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. This program seeks market-based solutions that strengthen the environment for foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa through transparent and competitive processes, creating sustainable economic growth in two strategic focus areas. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to one or more sub-Saharan countries, such as increased investment from high-quality U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies. Applicants are also encouraged to identify how their projects create conditions that enable U.S. commercial participation.
Eligibility
Public International Organizations are also eligible to apply. See APS for full eligibility criteria.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| AF-A Annual Program Statement V4.pdf | ||
| 20260819 APS QnA.pdf | ||
| 20260819 AF-A Annual Program Statement_v3_QnA clarifications.pdf |
Posting history
| Listing | Posted | Applications due |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | ||
| Opportunity | ||
| Opportunity |
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