About

The U.S. Mission to Benin is requesting for Statements of Interest to supports the country’s efforts to enhance cooperation and promote economic growth in partnership with the United States.

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section in Cotonou supports media, youth, and business leaders with training, mentorship, and grants to build resilience, strengthen ties, and foster prosperity. 

Goals and Objectives

• Goal 1: Make America Safer

  • Strategic Rationale: Counterterrorism efforts in Benin help reduce extremist threats, enhancing U.S. security and regional stability. Strengthening partnerships with Benin and its allies supports long-term peace and prosperity. By preventing radicalization through media engagement and reinforcing community resilience, the U.S. advances mutual security interests while fostering stability in vulnerable areas.

  • Priority Program Objectives & Audiences

    • Objective 1: Prevent radicalization in northern Benin by equipping local radio stations and social media influencers to counter terrorist propaganda. 

    • Objective 2: Strengthen community resilience and social cohesion in at-risk areas

  • Target Audiences: Youth leaders, religious leaders, northern community members, community radio stations, and social media influencers.

• Goal 2: Make America Stronger

  • Strategic Rationale: Benin plays a key role in advancing U.S. security, trade, and diplomatic interests. By promoting press freedom and strengthening governance, the U.S. supports democratic stability and economic growth. Expanding English language learning and American values further reinforces cooperation, fostering long-term regional security and reinforcing U.S.- Benin partnership.

  • Priority Program Objectives & Audiences 

    • Objective 1: Promote press freedom, counter negative media influence and train Beninese journalists on U.S. best practices for election coverage. 

    • Objective 2: Expand access to English language learning and promote American values. 

    • Objective 3: Strengthen governance and democracy to reinforce U.S. leadership and global stability.

  • Target Audiences: Government officials, business leaders, security experts, academics, civil society, youth leaders, media professionals, and influencers.

• Goal 3: Make America More Prosperous 

  • Strategic Rationale: Expanding trade, investment, and free-market policies in Benin supports U.S. economic interests by driving growth and creating jobs in both countries. By helping local businesses partner with U.S. firms, empowering STEM professionals, and promoting entrepreneurs, these initiatives foster sustainable development while reinforcing U.S.-Benin partnership.

  • Priority Program Objectives & Audiences 

    • Objective 1: Strengthen U.S.-Benin trade by enhancing local businesses’ capacity to partner with American firms. 

    • Objective 2: Empower Beninese professionals in STEM to drive economic growth and U.S.-aligned business opportunities. 

    • Objective 3: Promote entrepreneurs and foster a fair business environment.

  • Target Audiences: Government and trade officials, business leaders, investors, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurs.

Funding Information

• Total available funding $100,000 pending availability of funds

• Award amounts awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 (approximately)

• Goal 1: Anticipated Awards: 1-2 grants, up to $20,000 each.

• Goal 2: Anticipated Awards: 1-2 grants, up to $15,000 each.

• Goal 3: Anticipated Awards: 1-2 grants, up to $20,000 each.

Eligible Projects

• Goal 1:

  • Expected Innovative Projects include, but are not limited to:

    • Training on countering terrorist disinformation and recruitment.

    • Capacity-building for community radio journalists and social media influencers to combat extremist narratives.

    • Digital literacy programs in partnership with U.S.-based organizations and alumni associations.

• Goal 2:

  • Expected Innovative Projects: 

    • Support investigative journalism, storytelling, and social media campaigns showcasing U.S.-Benin cooperation. 

    • Expand STEM education, mentorship, English learning programs, and business development opportunities for young entrepreneurs. 

    • Train civil society leaders, journalists, and policymakers on transparency, the rule of law, and democratic governance. 

• Goal 3:

  • Expected Innovative Projects:

    • Training for Beninese businesses on U.S. market standards, trade regulations, and investment opportunities. 

    • Startup competitions supporting ventures aligned with U.S. business interests and private-sector growth. 

    • Programs assisting entrepreneurs in agriculture, textiles, and renewable energy to develop U.S. trade relationships

Eligibility

• The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Beninese:

  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience;

  • Individuals;

  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions;

  • Governmental institutions.

• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Post Date: May 05, 2025