U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program
🏛 Bureau of African Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. organizations and public international organizations advancing private sector-led growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants must focus on two strategic areas: Critical Minerals Investment or Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable economic benefits to one or more sub-Saharan countries, such as increased U.S. or U.S.-aligned company investment. See the Agency Planning Statement (APS) for complete eligibility details.
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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 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
- Letters of Support from African 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 are eligible. See the APS for full eligibility criteria.
What geographic areas does this grant support?
Projects must serve one or more sub-Saharan African countries and demonstrate measurable economic benefits in those regions.
What types of projects does this funding support?
Market-based solutions in Critical Minerals Investment or Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration that strengthen the foreign investment environment.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is May 31, 2027.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards typically range from $5 million to $50 million from the $500 million total funding pool.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus proposals on market-based solutions that solve real barriers to foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Clearly quantify expected benefits, such as specific dollar amounts of new U.S. company investment or job creation.
- Demonstrate how your project enables or attracts high-quality U.S. or U.S.-aligned private sector participation.
- Detail partnerships with African governments, local businesses, or private sector players to strengthen implementation credibility.
- Align your proposal to one of the two strategic focus areas: Critical Minerals Investment or Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to quantify measurable benefits or showing weak evidence of market-based approach. Proposing aid-focused rather than investment-focused solutions. Overlooking the requirement to demonstrate U.S. commercial participation potential.
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