U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Status: Forecasted
Posted date: March 23, 2026
Close date: April 22, 2026
Opportunity ID: 361597
Opportunity number: OFOP0002524
Opportunity category: Discretionary
Agency name: U.S. Mission to Benin
Agency code: DOS-BEN
Award floor: $5,000
Award ceiling: $35,000
Cost sharing required: Yes
Funding Instrument Types
- Grant
Category of Funding Activity
- Other
Eligible Applicants
- Others
Categories (use these for quoted searches)
- agency_code:dos_ben
- category_of_funding_activity:other
- cost_sharing_or_matching_requirement:true
- eligible_applicants:others
- funding_instrument_type:grant
- opportunity_category:discretionary
- status:forecasted
Benin hosts a dynamic network of U.S. government exchange program alumni, trained in innovation, leadership, business, civic engagement, and emerging technologies. This alumni network offers significant potential to drive national development and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly by expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses in Benin.To capitalize on this potential, U.S. Embassy Cotonou is launching an initiative in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary (“Freedom 250”). The initiative invites alumni to propose projects that mobilize their network to train and mentor Beninese youth (ages 18–35) in two key areas: (1) technology and entrepreneurship, and (2) civic engagement and leadership. The primary audiences are U.S. exchange alumni, university students, early-stage entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and emerging civic leaders. The project’s overarching goal is to leverage alumni expertise to empower Beninese youth with critical skills, thereby advancing U.S. foreign policy, strengthening bilateral relations, and fostering economic growth and democratic participation.