U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program

The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of African Affairs, is an open competition under solicitation DFOP0019410 designed to advance U.S. national interests through private sector-led growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The program focuses on two primary strategic areas: Critical Minerals Investment, which aims to catalyze investment in responsible mineral development and supply chain security, and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration, which seeks to enhance U.S. commercial opportunities in sectors such as AI, telecommunications, and energy. The program prioritizes market-based solutions that reduce aid dependency and create measurable benefits for partner countries while enabling increased participation from U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies. Funding is available up to a total pool of 500 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from 5 million to 50 million dollars for performance periods lasting between 12 and 36 months. The application process begins with a two-page Statement of Interest, with selected applicants later invited to submit full proposals for grants or cooperative agreements. Evaluation is based on a merit review process weighing the quality and feasibility of the program idea (40 percent), organizational capacity and experience (25 percent), leverage and partnerships (20 percent), and program planning (15 percent). All applicants must maintain active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier to receive an award. Payments are processed through the HHS Payment Management System for U.S. organizations and via form SF-270 for non-U.S. entities.