Our Focus on Africa

Our Sectors

Our key focus areas include:

• Youth and Women Entrepreneurship: Empowering young people and women through business training, access to finance, and mentorship.

• Off-Grid Renewable Energy: Providing clean energy solutions to rural areas lacking grid infrastructure.

• Agriculture and Food Security: Supporting smallholder farmers with innovative farming techniques, resources, and market access

USADF's primary focus is on the African continent, where we address economic development, humanitarian aid, climate change, and food security. Our goal is to provide sustainable solutions that uplift communities, ensure food access, and build resilience to environmental challenges. With projects in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and renewable energy, UNEEP is leading the charge in Africa’s growth and sustainability.

History

USADF’s early work in Africa focused on rebuilding post-colonial economies, fostering local industries, and promoting education. Over time, our efforts expanded to include poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Through targeted programs, we have empowered millions of people, particularly women and youth, by enhancing their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

In the area of entrepreneurship, USADFhas been instrumental in promoting youth and women-led businesses. Our programs have provided training, access to finance, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs, allowing them to launch and scale businesses that create jobs and foster innovation. By supporting over 1 million entrepreneurs across Africa, USADF has helped build a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth, creating opportunities for wealth generation and community development.

USADF has also made significant strides in renewable energy, focusing on off-grid solutions that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and underserved communities. Over the decades, we have facilitated the installation of solar power systems in thousands of rural villages, enhancing energy access and contributing to reduced carbon emissions. These projects have improved the quality of life for millions, enabling better healthcare, education, and economic activities by providing consistent energy sources.

In agriculture and food security, USADF’s interventions have revolutionized farming practices across the continent. By introducing modern farming techniques, providing resources such as seeds and irrigation systems, and connecting farmers to markets, we have improved food production and distribution. Our initiatives have helped over 10 million farmers increase their yields, improve food security, and strengthen resilience to climate change. This work has contributed to both local and national efforts to achieve food sufficiency and reduce poverty.

Throughout these eight decades, USADF’s focus on sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and climate change mitigation has had a far-reaching impact on the African continent. Our programs continue to address the pressing challenges of today, from environmental conservation to economic inclusion, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a more equitable and sustainable world. Through our partnerships with governments, civil society, and local communities, USADF has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of Africa, driving transformative change and shaping a brighter future for millions across the continent.

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) was established as a response to the increasing need for comprehensive economic development solutions. Formed by the UN Mission in [1926], USADF emerged from the consolidation of several key UN initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges. Our focus is primarily on Africa, where we work to tackle pressing issues such as humanitarian crises, climate change, and economic instability. USADF’s initiatives are designed to provide targeted support to communities in need, fostering resilience and sustainable development. Over the years, USADF has expanded its reach and impact, forging partnerships with local and international organizations to drive meaningful change and empower individuals and communities across the continent.

Apply for Funding

Background on the Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge

USADF’s Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge is an initiative of USADF’s Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Portfolio designed to address Africa’s youth bulge, economically empower youth and women, and impact job creation across Africa. The Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge is intended to invest in Micro, Small, and Mid-Size enterprises (MSMEs) that:

• Address Africa’s youth bulge by prioritizing job creation to enhance youth productivity and livelihoods.

• Economically empower youth and women to apply business solutions to social problems and create sustainable employment across Africa.

• Address unmet needs of underserved and at-risk communities and/or market demand.

• Formalize market opportunities and supply chain linkages for youth and women-owned MSMEs.

INTRODUCTION

USADF is excited to request proposals for the USADF Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge. Proposals of up to US$250,000 in grant capital per award will be considered. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed MSMEs or ventures registered and operating in Africa. Projects must be innovative scalable enterprises that address local needs through the creation of jobs and wealth. These projects should clearly outline the expected impact on communities and livelihoods, an increase in job creation, improvement of women’s access to funding, reduction of poverty, and enhancement of youth productivity.

Winning applicants will receive:

• Grant capital of US$50,000 to US$250,000 from USADF.

• Access to intensive local technical assistance and governance support.

Eligibility Criteria

USADF will consider proposals from 100% African-owned and managed companies. Passports or other government-issued IDs of any of the owners or senior managers must be submitted with the applications. If the applying entity is owned wholly or in part by another entity, passports or other government-issued IDs of one of the owners must also be provided. The applying entity must be a for-profit or non profit enterprise and must not be government-owned, operated, or affiliated in any way. Applicants need to be legally registered in Africa and demonstrate the capacity to track and manage the project resources and operate in good standing with the local governments in which they operate.

Winning proposals must:

• Benefit underserved populations or low-income rural or urban populations.

• Demonstrate financial sustainability or the potential for financial sustainability.

• Propose a budget of no more than US$250,000. Proposals with budgets greater than US$250,000 must bring leveraged resources from one or more other sources that meet the total financing requirements. Leveraged funds from other private sector and donor sources are encouraged.

• Demonstrate clearly whether and how many new jobs will be created.

• Women-owned, youth or -managed business is a plus.

• Obtain accreditation or secure insurance at their own cost

Applications Will Only Be Considered If They:

Entity is African 100% owned and managed, registered, and operating within Africa.

• Applicant must provide passports or other government-issued IDs showing citizenship are submitted.

• All shareholders, members of the board, and senior management must be citizens of an African country.

• Express clearly how they will benefit underserved populations across Africa including showing demonstrable positive impacts for youth and women.

• Express clearly how they will achieve sustainable growth.

• Fully and legally registered in Africa, and the registration is submitted.

• Document adequate expertise in the field they are proposing or document how they will acquire the necessary expertise.

• Clearly document how they will use UNEEP grant capital to carry out their businesss.

Proposals

All applications will be reviewed in two phases: Phase I applications will be reviewed and evaluated by an expert panel of judges. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to begin Phase II of the application process. Applicants that are not shortlisted in Phase I will not be contacted. Winning proposals will have the following characteristics:

• Impact: The potential for impact and a demonstration of how the venture will improve and change underserved and at-risk communities in which the grants are implemented.

• Sustainability: How sustainable is the venture and/or enterprise?

Phase I Application Proposal Template:

Applicant Background Information

• Name and ownership details. Passport verification of citizenship.

• Business Certificate of Incorporation.

• Business Address.

• Tax Clearance Certificate.

• Applicant history, legal address, and contact information

Contact Details:

For more information and to submit proposals, please contact:

USADF Office
Email: info@usadfgrant.org

Phone: +1 407 504 9948

Required Submissions:

• Completed Proposal Form.

• Organization’s Incorporation Documents.

• Proof of Ownership.

• Previous financial statements/audited financial reports (if available).

Proposed Use of Funds

• Description/narrative for the use of funds.

• Budget line details, including budget categories and budget estimates.

• Budget justification (line-by-line justification of each budget item):

  • A detailed budget justification is to be included. The narrative should describe why the proposed equipment is appropriate in size and scope for this plan. This is to show why each budget item proposed is required and why each budget item is needed at that level.

USADF is committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. We look forward to receiving your proposal and partnering with you to drive positive change.

Empowering Community Development Together

We support local institutions in Cabo Verde to enhance their capacity for community-based initiatives that uplift underserved populations through partnership and collaboration.

Our Mission Statement

Join us in our commitment to strengthen local development efforts and foster economic opportunities for underserved communities throughout Cabo Verde.To advance economic empowerment and sustainable development globally through innovative programs and strategic partnerships.

Community Development Support

Empowering local institutions to enhance community-based initiatives for underserved populations in Cabo Verde.

Proposal Submission Deadline

Submit proposals by December 21, 2024, at 17:59 EST.

Partner Organizations Support

Collaborating with local agencies to strengthen community development efforts and capacity building.

RFA Number

Reference: rfacvepartner2025 for application details and guidelines.

Contact Us

For inquiries about the USADF Community Development Institutions Program, please reach out to us today.