African Development Foundation
Grants for operation and expansion of African enterprises in agriculture, energy, natural resources, and other sectors
Principal Office: USA
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) was established as an independent U.S. public corporation to promote economic and social development in Africa, with an emphasis on assistance for marginalized groups.
USADF provides seed capital and technical support to early-stage local African enterprises in agriculture, energy, and youth-led enterprises. Eligibility for funding extends to enterprises, associations, and other organizations that are 100% African-owned in specified eligible countries.
Grant Programs for Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources
1 — Agriculture. USADF makes two kinds of grants in support of sustainable agriculture in eligible African countries:
- Operational assistance. Grants for operational assistance are up to US$100 thousand over two years to empower community groups to achieve greater food security and income stability.
- Enterprise expansion. Grants for enterprise expansion are up to US$250 thousand over five years to help community enterprises expand production, achieve greater market access, capture follow-on funding, and link to new markets.
About the program
APPLICATION: USADF announces calls for proposals. Applications can be submitted in either English or French.
Link to how to apply
2 — Off-Grid Energy. The Off-Grid Energy Challenge makes grants up to US$100 thousand to African enterprises providing off-grid solutions that deploy renewable resources and power local economic activities.
The program works in partnership with Power Africa, an initiative of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
About the program
APPLICATION: The Off-Grid Energy Challenge operates through calls for proposals. Calls may also be announced by Power Africa.
Link to Power Africa
3 — Youth-Led Enterprises. USADF funds Africa’s next generation of business leaders by offering them up to US$25 thousand in seed capital to start or expand their social ventures.
Grants cut across subject areas that include social enterprises in water supply, renewable energy, agribusiness, small-scale manufacturing, waste management, and various others.
About the program
APPLICATION: USADF selects entrepreneurs through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
Link to YALI
Geographical Distribution of Grant Activities in Developing Countries
Sub-Saharan Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) offer an overview of the Foundation and its programs.
USADF provides contact information.
April 2021