U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program
🏛 Bureau of African Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Aug 11, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. organizations and public international organizations seeking to advance private sector growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with U.S. supply chain goals and focus on Critical Minerals Investment or Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. Projects should show measurable economic benefits to one or more sub-Saharan countries and preferably enable U.S. commercial participation.
Geographic scope includes sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, government entities, and private sector organizations (under appropriate legal structures). U.S.-Africa partnerships are encouraged.
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Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 or equivalent application form
- Project Narrative describing alignment with Critical Minerals or Commercial Diplomacy focus
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity statement
- Commitment letters from African country partners
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of African Affairs
- 📧 AF-A-Proposals@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.989 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,937,262
-
$2,170,300
-
$1,249,997
-
$1,183,800
-
$986,500
-
$986,500
-
$943,063
-
$837,651
-
$494,950
-
$493,227
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.989). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $28,564,288 | |
| 2025 | $1,249,997 | |
| 2026 est. | $65,700,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S. organizations and public international organizations can apply. Recipients must align with or commit to advancing U.S. supply chain goals.
What geographic area does this grant cover?
Projects must benefit sub-Saharan Africa. Recipients typically establish partnerships with local organizations in target countries.
What types of projects are funded?
The program funds market-based solutions in two areas: Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. Projects should strengthen foreign investment environments.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards range from $5 million to $50 million. The total program pool is $500 million.
What does the application process look like?
Applications use either Grant or Cooperative Agreement instruments. Applicants must demonstrate clear benefits and alignment with U.S. strategic interests in Africa.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify which strategic focus area your project addresses: Critical Minerals or Commercial Diplomacy.
- Demonstrate concrete, measurable benefits to sub-Saharan African countries through economic growth metrics.
- Show how your project attracts U.S. and U.S.-aligned private sector investment.
- Address U.S. supply chain goals explicitly in your application.
- Include detailed partnerships with credible local organizations in target African countries.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack clear alignment with U.S. supply chain priorities. Weak partnerships with local African entities or vague benefit metrics hurt competitiveness. Generic proposals without specific country focus or measurable economic outcomes rarely succeed.
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