U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program

The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program is a competitive, market‑based grant initiative administered by the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs. It seeks to catalyze private‑sector investment in Sub‑Saharan Africa through two focus areas – Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration – by funding projects that create transparent, competitive business environments, develop local value‑add capabilities, and enable U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies to participate. Up to ten awards ranging from $5 M to $50 M each may be made, with project periods of 12–36 months. Applicants must submit a two‑page Statement of Interest (SOI) by the applicable window deadline; eligible entities include for‑profit firms, nonprofits, higher‑education institutions, and public international organizations. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, U.S. supply‑chain benefits, and may involve cooperative agreements with substantial Department involvement. • Two application windows (Window 1 – open 08/19/2026; Window 2 – 12/01/2026‑01/31/2027). • Funding: $5 M‑$50 M per award; total ceiling $500 M. • Eligible prime applicants: U.S. and non‑U.S. for‑profits, nonprofits, higher‑ed institutions, public international orgs. • Focus 1 – Critical Minerals: geological mapping, local processing, regulatory reforms, workforce training. • Focus 2 – Commercial Diplomacy: regulatory reform, infrastructure, digital/telecom, AI, energy, healthcare, trade facilitation. • Required deliverables: measurable KPIs (e.g., investment value, jobs trained, regulatory changes). • Awards are cooperative agreements or grants; cost‑sharing not required.