Strategic commercial engagement for U.S.-AU Trade and Investment
This grant funds programs that strengthen U.S.-Africa trade and investment by connecting U.S. businesses with African markets, promoting American business practices, and fostering measurable commercial partnerships.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Ethiopia
Due Dates: June 8, 2026
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$25,000 per award; total funding $40,000; up to 3 awards
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen U.S.–Africa trade and investment ties, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, and promote U.S. commercial engagement in African markets.
Key Information: No cost-sharing or matching required.
Description
This grant opportunity, offered by the U.S. Mission to Ethiopia, aims to advance U.S. commercial diplomacy by fostering stronger trade and investment connections between the United States and African Union (AU) member states. With a focus on overcoming barriers such as limited awareness of American business practices and insufficient business networks, the program seeks proposals that will expand U.S.–Africa trade, promote innovation and technology transfer using U.S. solutions, and increase economic opportunities that support U.S. commercial engagement.
Eligible projects should deliver measurable outcomes, such as new business linkages, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), commercial networks, and increased investment flows. Activities may include business matchmaking, U.S. expert-led commercial workshops, sector-specific engagements, and initiatives that address market access constraints for U.S. businesses.
